My son has an old computer (also has a new one but the old plays older games)
anyways his cd-rom (Samsung CD-R/RW SW-248F) has died the computer is a Compaq Presario Windows 98

question- can i install a DVD-ROM or will it not be able to run in the old geezer
do I i need to replace with a CD-ROM

What are you using it for?

just for old pc games but thought if i could get it to play dvds he'd like that

Dang all I can say is ask someone at the store you might by it from

Get an opinion from someone at a store that specializes in PC repair/building. I'm not sure if the motherboard would be able to connect with the DVD-ROM, with that old of a PC it is hard to figure.

If you're son's computer is older, than you probably have an IDE interface for you harddrives and optical drive. You will need to find an IDE interface on the new drive you want to put in. If you are running windows 98, you will need to check your processor speed, ram and video card. The machine will need to be around 600-700mhz, at least 128mb of ram and 32mb video. If you have that then you should be alright to put a DVD drive in that machine.

ok so I ended up getting a cd-rom and installed it everything seemed ok but then the damn thing opened on its own and won't stay shut to read a disc just keeps popping open. What the hell!????