usb problem

[jjeffers]

i have a external cd burner
its a sony spressa usb

my computer is a build system and has usb ports

i loaded the drivers and software for the burner
but still does not work

my system doesn't even see it when hook up to the computer

i check my usb port by hooking something else up to it and works
need help

[papertech]

Do you have the power cord connected to the drive and plugged into a working power socket?

Are there any lights lit on the drive?

[Whyzman]

Does any of this look familiar?
http://www.charismac.com/Support/Discribe/usbdiscribe.html