Determining external CD/DVD drive compatibility?

[markg2]

Existing 2011 PowerSpec computer now running XP that will be upgraded to Win7 in the next few months.

The CD/DVD drive has become flaky (finicky on which media it will read including media previously read).

Can I just buy any brand name external USB CD/DVD drive online and correctly presume that the device will be compatible with the existing box, the current OS and future Win7?

Or is the purchase more involved?

Mark

 

[dlc41]

It's been my experience that pretty much all are compatible. However most will also list what operating systems they are compatible with.