Error Code 0F00:286E Msg : Optical Drive BIST - OPU test failed

Hi all,

My combo CD/DVD drive has suddenly stopped recognizing black CD-R discs - it recognizes everything else, including purchased CDs & DVDs, as well as blank DVD-Rs. I ran the self-diagnostic test and from reading other forums the above error code means the drive is dead - but how can it be if a CD-R is the only thing that cannot be read?

I can watch & burn DVDs so I'm a bit confused as to how my drive can be dead. 

My system is below:
Dell Inspiron 9300
Windows XP SP2
3.5 years old
Combo CD/DVD drive: NEC DVD+RW ND6650A

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

darrkaye