Data Disc Appears Empty but Actually Contains Data

[ParatoOptimal]

I've often come across audio CDs that wouldn't play or even display their contents in XP-Pro.

This is a first ...
I have a Sony CD-R with data on it.
I've read the disc before and pulled data off of it.
I can no longer see any data on the disc.
XP-Pro acknowledges the disc is there but displays zero contents.
The same disc in my brother's computer with 98SE still "sees" the disc contents.

I've tried holding down the <Shift> key when inserting the disc with no better results.
I have CloneCD, Alcohol 120% installed.
Could something be reacting to those programs and hiding the disc contents of Sony discs?
I installed Daemon Tools but still have the problem.

Another symptom ...
I can create a virtual drive with Alcohol or Daemon and mount images on it.
MY COMPUTER doesn't list the virtual drive.
CDex ripping program doesn't list the virtual drive as a local device to rip from.
I used to be able to use CDex to rip from virtual drives.

What has happened?
Rootkiller shows no invasions.

I NEED the data on that disc.
It contains SP's that are tooooo long to DL on my connection.