System Specs: Sony VAIO Win XP home

trying to connect an internal DVDR/RW (sony DRU810a) in an external enclosure to my laptop. recognizes as cdrom, but not as dvdr/rw.
checked device manager, tried to update drivers, none found.
device manager lists the drive correctly, but in explorer or any other programs, it won't recognize as a burner.

i have it directly connected to my laptop via usb, not through a hub.

i went to sony's site, and updated the firmware, but they don't have any drivers available to download (site says windows XP comes with all the drivers)

the enclosure is supposed to work with my drive type - for more info see site here:
http://www.meritline.com/aluminum-5-25-usb…-enclsoure.html

the disc that comes with the enclosure is not for XP.

i even tried to find the driver on the cdrom that came with the drive, but nothing.

I used this drive in my desktop just fine, but since my desktop is now out of commission, i wanted to use it with my laptop.
can anything be done? please help!!