VERY slow boot times & other problems

[Master_of_Time]

So here's the problem, quick version:
While I was playing the SCII Beta my PC started freezing for short intervals with the sound repeating, like just before getting a BSOD, but it unfreezes. After I restarted it started loading XP (32 bit) and never got to it. It was sitting in the loading screen for more than 10 minutes. I decided to reinstall Windows, went into BIOS (waited 3-4 minutes), set the boot device to my DVD-RAM drive and rebooted and nothing happened. I painfully waited 20 minutes and I got into Windows 30 minutes ago and now when I open Win Explorer my DVD drive is missing. Tried 3 others, still nothing. I suspect it being my motherboard, being a piece of crap as usual... My main question is: is the motherboard the problem? I benched on Prime95, FurMARK and CPU/GPU is stable. I really need help because I'm very confused.

Here is my configuration:
Q6600 @ default w/ Thermalright 120
Asus Striker Extreme (I know it's a bad board, but i got the PC from my uncle and just replaced the GPU)
G.Skill 2x1GB@800/4-4-4-12/2T
Sapphire 5970
Seagate 750GB HDD
Asus DVD-RAM drive

 

[r9]

I don`t know why you are bothered by the slow loading times knowing that you are Master of Time .
First I would upgrade the OS to W7-64bit. Second go to Device manager and check if by the DVD device has exclamation mark. If so delete the device and do a refresh. If that wont help check the cables.
If DVD decides to join the party run mem test and hdd regenerator.

 

[Master_of_Time]

I can't run MemTest since I can't burn it to a CD... And HDD Regenerator says everything is OK. I quite sure by now that it's the motherboard. Also Windows Driver Utility (or whatever it's called, the one that asks you for drivers when it detects new hardware) keeps aking me for drivers for a device called "SMBus Controller" ever since I installed my HD5970. BTW, I'm using Catalyst 10.4.

 

[TechnicalFreak]

SMBus controller? Try installing the motherboard drivers.
I always do a fresh install using these steps:
1. Install OS
2. Install all (that can be installed) motherboard drivers
3. Graphics drivers
4. Sound drivers (if extra soundcard installed)
5. Drivers for keyboard/mouse

 

[Master_of_Time]

I've installed them a long time ago, Win started asking for drivers for this device after I installed the 5970 in the PC. it has never asked for them before. BTW, does anyone know what this SMBus controller is?