If ur running many things simultaneously, eg web-browsing, i would recommend winamp, this is a superb piece 'o' kit, and uses up hardly any resources (i can play cd's thru it, along with about 5 IE windows open, on a 266 with 32mb ram!)
If it doesnt play smoothly thru winamp, it is probably something else.
personally, i have had 2 CD drives that i have 'worn out' just from use, even though i would expect one to last more than 6months! how often do use it, like 24/7 or something?
o yeah, winamp is free from (u guessed it)
.....blah blah.... best of my knowledge, etc. "always in the quest for knowledge, and glad i could help"
If im wrong, its not my fault!