Problem updating DVD writer firmware - Inspiron 1545, Windows 7

When I upgraded to Windows 7, my DVD writer died. I did some research and found out the problem is with the firmware. My DVD writer disappears a minute or so after a disc is inserted. The only way to bring it back is to eject and it's back for another couple minutes.

My DVD writer is a TS-L633B. I found the firmware update, but the program won't work because it can't see the drive!

I could format my drive, reinstall Vista, install the updated firmware and then reinstall Windows 7 along with all my apps, but that would probably take a couple days. Do I have any other options?

Is anyone else having the same problem? If so, what did you do to fix it?