As a computer stud, I have a Compaq Armada E500 P2 64MB ram notebook computer running 95 and NT4 WKSTN. While i was practicing with it, i successfully installed NT4 Server with no problems at all. But....I forgot to take the CD out from the drive when i switched it off. I took it out a day after. I'm just wondering how come right now my cd rom became unaccessible. I already uninstalled NTServer leaving 95 and the NT4 WKSTN. Still the same I can't use my cd rom drive. Administrative rights.......of course im the admin of my PC(i already checked it in case somebody messed around with it). I wanna use it(cd drive) but I can't.
Do you have any idea what happened and what can i do to help resolve this problem?
I know i'm in big trouble, final exam coming! Please help me.

Is the Atapi Device started ? See control panel\devices\atapi -> must be started on boot. Let me know if it helped or not.

Post 1 may have been adequate to fix the problem.

Could also be a service pack problem. What service pack are you running right now?

Go here:

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q196/6/03.ASP?LN=EN-US&SD=gn&FR=0&qry=Unable%20to%20access%20CD%20Rom%20drive&rnk=24&src=DHCS_MSPSS_gn_SRCH&SPR=NTW40

Select MY SEARCH IS ABOUT:

1) "Windows NT Workstation 4.0"

2) I WANT TO SEARCH BY:

Keyword search using "All words"

3) MY QUESTION IS:

"Unable to access CD ROM Drive"

If you're using SP4, you need to read this link:

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q196/6/03.ASP?LN=EN-US&SD=gn&FR=0&qry=Unable%20to%20access%20CD%20Rom%20drive&rnk=24&src=DHCS_MSPSS_gn_SRCH&SPR=NTW40

Please make sure you read section 2.2 of the readme file: "Before you apply the service pack." Failure to do so could cause more harm than you're trying to repair.

Stay focused, stay relaxed. Your exam will go just fine.

Thank you very much for your time guys. Sorry Ikaros, it didn't work. The Atapi Device was already started on boot ever since.
Dr., I tried to visit Microsoft's website, but fortunately i found similar problems, i followed their solutions, unfortunately, none of their fixes worked for my Notebook. Anyway, i'm not losing hope. I'll just have to keep on trying.
Thank you very much. I really appreciate your help. Anyway, if something good will come up with my computer, i'll update you guys.
God Bless.

Some stuff in my controlpanel/services:
DEVICE STATUS STARTUP
atapi Started Boot
atdisk Boot
ati Disabled
cdaudio Disabled
cdfs Started Automatic
cdrom Started Boot
changer Boot
disk Started Boot
diskperf Started Automatic
Maybe with these, you can diagnose the problem.