Computer: Dell Dimension 3000 1GB RAM 80GB HD, Win XP Pro

Dell HL-DT-ST GCE-8483B

 

The light would blink continously even though there's nothing in there. It'd take forever to get to the login screen and continue to slow everything. I have to do a hard reboot everytime (press the power button for a few seconds to turn off then on again) and then it'd start up normally again (no blinking). Does Dell have a firmware update for this CD ROM anywhere? This happens like 1 per 100 boot ups so I don't think it's the "loose" cable or the "HD needs to be first in BIOS boot order".