VFE,
Win9x Kernals are famous for corrupting system files. The first thing to try is deleting the DVD Drive from your Device Manager. Let Win98 reboot and see if it adds it back when the OS posts.
If that does not work there are several other steps we can try.
Take Care,
Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.
Naples Air Center, Inc.
Custom Computers of Naples, Inc.