HL-DT-ST CD-RW GCE-8160B CD Drive won't create VCD when using Microsoft Plus! Photo Story

When using Microsoft Plus! Photo Story, the HL-DT-ST CD-RW GCE-8160B CD Drive in my Dell 8200 won't create a VCD.  Microsoft lists this drive as incompatible and refers me to the LG Electronics website.  There is a firmware upgrade for this drive on the LG site, but it says not to use it for Dell and other OEM machines. 

Will the firmware upgrade for the drive fix the problem and if so, where can I find one that can be used with my Dell 8200?  Finally, how can I tell what the current firmware revision is for this drive?  Thanks