Bones, I checked and I have the most current firmware available for my drive. I'm suspecting, however, that maybe what I need is older firmware - possibly the newer versions are what does not like the anti-piracy method, since it seems that only my newest computer is affected and won't run it.

However, as of this moment the whole thing is a moot point. Someone broke into my house today and stole my old laptop (which had WinME and ran MM8 just fine), complete with my MM8 PLAY DISK IN IT!!! I'm more irritated about the loss of MM8 (and my saved game - a "fast" game where I'd just finished the tedious job of clearing out Balthazar Lair on January 10th) than I am about the computer. It was old and had 4 keys which didn't work on it anymore (not any that affected game play). Of course, the thief couldn't know that. The thief also stole 2 cases of soda, a case of gatorade, and a hunting knife. My son's video camera, which was in full view on the sofa, was NOT stolen. Neither were the shotguns we have. Go figure.