Yeah, not an easy that Dma thing!
On XP it was pretty ok to reset Pio mode to Dma just to uninstall the primary IDE channel then reboot or set it to Ultra DMA 5.
My intel's Storage manager settings have greyed-out the parameters box, so i can't really check either.
I can only know when i do uninstall the Intels drivers and let windows 7 loads its own drivers (msahci.sys) then i can access to that Dma setting in Devices Manager. But whats the point when i will have to install Intels one again?
Check your Bios Setting for Dma settings aswell
Maybe look for CRC errors with an old CDs...you should find over the Net some free softwares to help you on task.
Also you can check your burnt medias with
VSO Inspector