TSGL: DVD-RW Drive has disappeared

[Dieter]

I have noticed some recent DVD-RW streams.  I would like to throw in my 
problem.  I am running XP Pro SP2.

My DVD-RW Drive entry has disappeared from my PC ... there is nothing listed 
anywhere ... there is nothing in the Device Manager and nothing in My 
Computer.  Of course the hardware is installed and is impishly blinking 
whenever I put in a DVD.  The s/w that came with the DVD-RW has nothing on 
it to help me.  I can't play back and can't burn DVDs.  My CD-RW and CD-ROM 
drives are working fine.  Is there anything that can be done to remedy this 
situation?

While I was looking around in the Device Manager (where I seldom go and 
look), I noticed that my USB scanner and printer were both nowhere to be 
found.  Is this a normal occurrence?  Both pieces of hardware are working 
fine.

Your comments, as always, are appreciated.

Dieter / Nor*Cal