external DVD drive no longer recognized

I've been using a Samsung external DVD drive with my WinXP netbook. Last
week I installed all the Patch Tuesday updates. Then I used the DVD drive to
install Microsoft Word. After that, I installed all the high-priority
Microsoft updates that followed the installation of Word.

Yesterday, when I tried to play a CD, I discovered that the drive isn't
recognized by Windows any more. When I plug it into the USB port, it lights
up momentarily; but there's no Safely Remove Hardware icon in the system
tray, and the drive doesn't appear in My Computer.

I unplugged the drive, waited, and plugged it in again, but no change. I
tried another USB port; no change. I unplugged it and turned off the
computer, waited a bit, and turned it back on; no change. I left it plugged
in and turned off the computer, then turned it back on; no change.

I tried to use Add Hardware, but Windows seemed to think it was looking for
a camera or a printer. There was nothing in the list for a CD/DVD burner.

Is it possible that the updates I installed after installing Word screwed up
Windows' recognition of this drive? Could it be something else?

I'd be grateful for help in fixing this problem.

Thank you,

Jo-Anne