Hi techexec007,
I request you to check if the drive is detected in the BIOS. To go to BIOS, restart the system and at the Dell logo tap the F2 key every two seconds. Please check in this screen for the status of the CD/RW drive and revert.
Also I request you to run Microsoft Fixit by clicking on the link below:
http://support.microsoft.com/mats/cd_dvd_drive_problems/
Follow the onscreen instruction to complete the process. Please revert for further assistance