Hi Superdually,

If you boot to the F12 menu and choose utility partition, do you get the Dell diagnostics? If so, run the diagnostics on your CD drive with a data disc in the drive.

If not, try booting to safe mode and see if you can view a disc there.

Running XP OS.  Ran diagnostics. 

Primary IDE:

     Drive 0: WDC WD600BB-75CAA0-PASS

     DRIVE 1: IOMEGA ZIP 250 ATAP1-DIAGNOSTICS NOT SUPPORTED

SECONDARY IDE

     DRIVE 0: HL-DT-ST GCE-8481B-DIAGNOSTICS NOT SUPPORTED

     DRIVE 1: NO IDE DEVICE

Did you try my other idea?

I tried going into "safe mode" but it wouldn't recognize my wireless key pad or mouse.  I can't access the back of the computer easily to connect the old key board and mouse.  I need to move a bookcase to be able to access the back of the computer.  I will do that shortly and let you know.

Went into "safe mode" and tried the drive, it said insert disc, and I did.  It would never recognize it.  I tried a couple different disc's.

Sounds like it's time to replace that drive. The only thing you are going to find easily will be a DVD burner. They just don't make CD-RW drives any more, but of course, any DVD burner can also burn CDs. Your 4550 requires an IDE drive. Any of these drives will work. The only trick installing this drive is to make sure you set the drive jumper to cable select.

My 4550 is still kicking, although it's in the basement and used only for VHS to DVD conversion.

Thanks for the help.  I just ordered one and will install it as soon as it arrives.  Again, thanks for the help. :)