DVD does not burn or get recognized; cannot boot win7

Hey guys, ive had this problem for a wHILE now and i'm looking and looking but I can't seem to find an answer. I've really tried everything and I don't know what else to do.

I have Windows 7 installed and it does not recognize DVDs/Cds. When I put one in, sometimes it recognizes it but when i open it with windows explorer it just freezes and I have to restart the computer. When I try to burn a DVD to backup my files using either nero or windows explorer it gets an error or just freezes.

The other thing is booting up. It gets stuck and I have to manually shut it down. When i turn the computer on either it freezes at the windows logo or goes to system repair and just gets stuck there. I put in the Windows 7 installation disc in but it does not recognize it either.

Finally, the trouble shooter also gets stuck. When it scans the entire computer it says communication with microsoft error, and I cant get the solutions and when i trouble shoot the DVD drive it just stays there scanning without doing anything.

Uninstalling/disabling doesn't do anything either. I have tried modifying the registry and deleting the upper/lower filters, etc etc.

If anyone has a solution to this problem please let me know, I need this computer for college and I'm afraid of losing all of my work, plus the computer is only a year old.
Thanks in advance !
My email is thealex09@hotmail.com if anything.

Hey, thanks for your help but i fixed it. I opened the computer up and cleaned it up a bit, seems like the wires were a bit loose and now its burning cds with windows explorer. Im backing everything up just in case and so that I can re-install windows.
Thanks a lot for your help anyway !