Here is ONE good thing about Windows XP. Anyone who has used XP and inserted a CD, has gotten the annoying window asking them what they want to do with the CD. If you select 'Take No Action' and then check the box that says 'do this all the time' (or something like that), the CD won't crash your machine. Why? Because Windows won't try to read the disk. You can then play the CD in WinAmp, or rip it using one of the various programs out there.
P.S.: I'm a long time C