Expert: Keith Davis - 12/26/2009

Question
My computer (Dell - Windows XP Professional)will not allow me to Defrag, run a Scan Chck, System Restore, log in in Safe Mode, and use the ClamWin Antivirus that came with the comp.
Also, when I try to burn a Cd or Dvd, the programs (Nero & AnvSoft MovieDvd Maker) all of a sudden say no recordable device is found. Granted, these programs have worked fine for months until now. The D: drive plays and recognizes a cd or dvd when inserted, but to try and burn one it doesn't.  

I do remember a couple of days ago I downloaded a couple of songs from Frostwire. Closed Frostwire to go shopping. Came back and found that Frostwire wouldn't open anymore.
I've also installed and run Norton Antivirus, but problem still exists.  

Answer
My first guess is that you picked up some kind of malware from one of the Frostwire songs. Although I have never known anyone that picked up anything from Frostwire, it is listed as a threat on most anti-spyware or malware sites. Limewire is the worst. The thing is with Frostwire you may download 10, 20, 50 songs and get nothing but sooner or later the old saying "nothing really comes for free". rings true.

Now to the problem. First of all have you run any kind of anti-malware program? I like Malwarebytes. It will scan your computer and registry and fix or quarantine the problems. It is free and can be downloaded at http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html
You may want to consider trying a different anti-virus. Even though Norton's is thought to be good, it will not detect a lot of the common problems of today. I use AVG anti-virus. It is free and would have most likely detected what came in on one of those songs.

Last resort. If Malwarebytes does not clean the infection, I would try to salvage as much data as possible and do a complete reformat and reinstall of the operating system.

Let me know if I can help further.