CD-RW drive disappears from entire system while using iTunes

Question

I just installed a new CD-RW drive (master), removed all old CD burning software, and have installed the latest version of iTunes. I'm able to use the software without issues, Install CD's and Burn CD's, but after about 4-6 installs or burns my CD-RW drive disappears! iTunes will no longer recognize the drive and the drive no longer appears in My Computer or elsewhere.
I've tried physically reinstalling the drive and I've performed the steps in Microsoft Support Article ID 320553 repeatedly: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320553
After following those steps and reinstalling iTunes each time, everything appears normal and I can use iTunes for about 4-6 burns/installs and then the same issue happens again.
Note, for what it's worth, I have an old CD-RW drive also installed, but as a slave that I do not use with iTunes or for anything else. It just exists.
Is this leaning toward an iTunes problem or a burner drive problem? I don't know where else to look.
-jk
My current iTunes drive report (when working properly):
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
HP Pavilion 04 P5267A-ABA 7935
iTunes 7.0.2.16
CD Driver 2.0.6.1
CD Driver DLL 2.0.6.1
UpperFilters: GEARAspiWDM (2.0.6.1),
Video Driver: S3 Graphics ProSavage 8A26 (Microsoft Corporation)\S3 Compatible Display Adapter
IDE\DiskMaxtor_4D040H2__________________________DAH017K0, Bus Type ATA, Bus Address [0,0]
IDE\CdRomCD-RW_CDR-9V52__________________________2$GB____, Bus Type ATA, Bus Address [0,0]
IDE\CdRomHP_CD-Writer+_8100______________________1.0g____, Bus Type ATA, Bus Address [1,0]
If you have multiple drives on the same IDE or SCSI bus, these drives may interfere with each other.
Some computers need an update to the ATA or IDE bus driver, or Intel chipset. If iTunes has problems recognizing CDs or hanging or crashing while importing or burning CDs, check the support site for the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard.
Current user is an administrator.
D: CD-RW CDR-9V52, Rev 2$GB
Audio CD in drive.
Found 20 songs on CD, playing time 64:46 on Audio CD.
Track 1, start time 00:02:00
Track 2, start time 02:46:23
Track 3, start time 05:53:17
Track 4, start time 08:51:55
Track 5, start time 11:54:60
Track 6, start time 16:35:36
Track 7, start time 20:42:61
Track 8, start time 24:43:41
Track 9, start time 27:29:21
Track 10, start time 30:33:73
Track 11, start time 34:20:41
Track 12, start time 36:56:09
Track 13, start time 38:43:21
Track 14, start time 41:43:40
Track 15, start time 44:25:27
Track 16, start time 47:34:53
Track 17, start time 50:22:60
Track 18, start time 53:06:16
Track 19, start time 56:53:69
Track 20, start time 59:59:73
Audio CD reading succeeded.
Get drive speed succeeded.
The drive CDR speeds are: 4.
The drive CDRW speeds are: 4.
E: HP CD-Writer+ 8100, Rev 1.0g
Drive is empty.
Writing CD text is turned on in the preferences. If you're having problems burning CDs, try turning this preference off.

Answer 1

b,
Well the issue happened again. Below is the DVD/CD Diagnostics. I then closed iTunes. I opened Device Manager and saw no ?'s or error messages. The D drive was missing again so this time I just tried the option "Scan for hardware changes" and it easily found the D drive and added it to the Device Manager. I then reopened iTunes and burned a CD with no problems. The plot thickens. Any clues?
-jk
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
HP Pavilion 04 P5267A-ABA 7935
iTunes 7.0.2.16
CD Driver 2.0.6.1
CD Driver DLL 2.0.6.1
UpperFilters: GEARAspiWDM (2.0.6.1),
Video Driver: S3 Graphics ProSavage 8A26 (Microsoft Corporation)\S3 Compatible Display Adapter
IDE\DiskMaxtor4D040H2_________________________DAH017K0, Bus Type ATA, Bus Address [0,0]
IDE\CdRomHPCD-Writer+_8100______________________1.0g___, Bus Type ATA, Bus Address [1,0]
Some computers need an update to the ATA or IDE bus driver, or Intel chipset. If iTunes has problems recognizing CDs or hanging or crashing while importing or burning CDs, check the support site for the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard.
Current user is an administrator.
E: HP CD-Writer+ 8100, Rev 1.0g
Drive is empty.
Writing CD text is turned on in the preferences. If you're having problems burning CDs, try turning this preference off.
HP Pavilion 7935   Windows XP