error code 31 problems for win2k

my cd-rom has the following error "This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31)" I have uninstalled it, removed it, reinstalled drivers, and pretty much done everything possible other than reinstall win2k. bios detects it, but device manager has the errors. any suggestions would be great. I think reinstalling windows would work, but I'd rather find out if there's anything else I can do first. Thanks