QSI CDRW/DVD SBW242C Read Problem

I have an Inspiron 1000 with a QSI SBW242C optical drive.
The firmware version of the drive is UD30.
The driver provider is: Microsoft.

The driver version is: 5.1.2535.0.
This QSI drive will not read DVD-R data discs or DVD pressed movies from local rentals (aka Hastings, Blockbuster, etc.)
CD's (all formats) are recognized fine.
I have reseated the drive.
I have uninstalled the drive via Device Manager, and let Windows redetect it and reinstall it.
I have uninstalled all software related to the drive. I have reinstalled all software related to it (Roxio, Nero, etc.)
I have tried the DVD-R with the software uninstalled, and it was still not recognized.

When I place a CD in the drive and view My Computer, the CD is shown as being in the drive.
When I place a DVD-R or DVD Movie in the drive and view My Computer, the drive is shown as empty.

Does anyone have any similar problems and/or advice for remedying the issue?