I'm working on re-installing a bootable copy in VMware again so that I can post my config.sys file here shortly. In the meanwhile, does anyone know if VMware 'hides' the true type of CD-Rom you are using?

i.e. Does VMware emulate your physical CD-Rom (say Sony) and make it available as some generic CD-Rom? Maybe the solution is as easy as having the CD-Rom drivers installed as well during base installation.