1.) Does your DVD show as a valid drive on your Desktop/Explorer/??? (depending on OS)
Under system properties/CD Rom; Pioneer DVD-ROM DVD-114 is showing status 'the device is working properly'
2.) Can you open it by software command before inserting a disc?
The drive opens only when it doesn't have a CD in it already. Using eject on my DVD player doesn't work either. The only way to eject is to restart the computer and push eject just after it has restarted.
3.) Does it spin up after inserting said disc?
I don't think so; I used to hear the software loading and see the orange light flash but neither happen now; the orange light flickers 3 times just after turning the computer on.
4.) Have you installed the drive yourself?
It came with the computer 2/3 years ago.
5.) Have you checked if all necessary cables are connected?
Yes - only outside cables though