hmmm..

I'm certain that the CD drive is fine, (It was used by a friend a few days ago)

The SCSI cable is fat.. but I have no way of checking if it is at fault.

the CD i'm trying to get info off can be read by my PC but i'm under the impression that it is in a mac format.

I did try the CD drive with the CD in it.

Some of the applications that are mentioned to try are a tad fustrating, as I don't have another mac, and the disk drive on this mac is not exactly working, hence the pencil.

Bunsen, there is no need to salute me, I sir would throw my coat in a puddle for you sir. I recognise you from Midibox.

I don't want to throw this in the 'too hard' pile, but this is supposed to be a thing of beauty.. not the grand head ache this is causing me..