Mac Mini not recognizing USB optical drive - when Windows 7 in the drive

This is a really strange situation. I purchased a DVD writer in order to install Windows 7 on my Mac Mini (the SuperDrive stopped functioning some time ago). I've been able to boot from this optical drive to install Snow Leopard, but the Win7 disk isn't recognized when I try to boot from it (just get the folder with the "?"). Holding down "Alt" just shows me the Macintosh HD. I've tried multiple DVDs, including a genuine MSFT printed one with no success. I've attached this same drive to my Lenovo laptop and it booted to Windows 7 setup without a problem.
So, to sum up:
The Samsung DVD writer:
* boots up Snow Leopard on the Mac Mini
* boots up Windows 7 on the Lenovo laptop
* fails to boot Windows 7 on the Mac Mini
The Samsung model is Super WriteMaster Slim External DVD Writer, SE-S084
Any help would of course be greatly appreciated. Chocolate is possible for a really good answer.
- Hop

Hello hoppingboy,
Just an FYI for you.
It is always best to check with the software manufacturer FIRST. They will tell you if they have tested the product and the version, as well as whether or not it will work with Windows 7.
Check out the Windows 7 Compatibility site: (There you will find out about hardware and software compatibility.)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/en-us/default.aspx
There is a pulldown from which you can choose "hardware" and "software".
There are also some great articles, instructional videos and such to help with your Windows 7 at our Springboard site:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/default.aspx
In any event a lot of the times, Vista drivers will work in lieu of Windows 7 drivers, however, it's not 100%!
As stated previously, it's best to have the Windows 7 certified drivers installed.
Thanks again,
John M.
Microsoft Windows Client Support

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