I am trying to perform a clean install of winXP. After I load all six boot disk and am prompted to insert the XP CD my system fails to read the disk. The error reads that my CD must be damaged or I have the wrong one inserted. After going through this with XP I decided to install ME with my ME upgrade disk and then upgrade ME to XP after loaded all XP drivers. So, I boot my system with the correct boot disk for ME and insert the ME CD in the drive. I then change to the appropiate drive,(in this case E:) and list the directories on the CD. This works, I then run the setup program and winMe begins installation. At one point ME asks me to verify that I have a valid copy of win98 since I am using an upgrade disk of ME this makes since. So I insert my win98SE disk in the CDROM and wait for it to stop spining, then I attempt to list the directories using the setup GUI (browse). WOW I get an error saying C101 disk not ready or not in drive. For some odd reason my system will read the ME upgrade disk but will not read the 98 or XP disk and they or original CD's. I verified both CD's integrity on another system and they were readable. Anyone with any suggestions? I am about burnt out, I have been at it a week. I know it must be a simple fix or it wouldn't be so annoying.

In my experience (not that great!) it means either that there is dust on the lens or that the CD drive is on it's last legs. Have you tried cleaning the drive? I know some people who also have tried to put a bit of lube on the lens guide rails and they say that worked for them. Other than that you may need a new drive. Hope that helps Spadge