Disk drive gone on strike

Since installing OS X 10.4.10 my CD/DVD drive will not load up any software other than the os installation disk. When a CD is inserted there are a couple of short, slow whirrs (forgive my lack of technical know how) and then it is unceremoniously ejected. When the os installation disk is inserted the drive fires up to full speed and opens up the files on the disk with no problem.
Can anyone help please (with a Noddy explanation if possible)?
iMac PowerMac 6,3   Mac OS X (10.4.10)  

I second that opinion, older Pros (like mine) do it too!

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