Dvd drive seems to be borked.

For some reason my dvd drive isn't reading any more cds. I tried uninstalling the driver, unplugging and then replugging the damn thing. STILL NOTHING!!!

How do I make windows confirm that it's gone 'for good', and then have it reinstall freshly?

You can remove it from the Hardware Profile / Device Manager (depending on your OS) listings, found in the control panel.

Does it give some sort of error message, or does it just lock up?

The dvd drive makes these clicking noises when I insert a cd. Then when I try to look at it says it doesnt have a cd inserted.

Oh... That's not generally a good sign. Something might be getting stuck inside, maybe it's full of dust, or it could just be broken. :(