earlier in this forum I tried to determine the manufacturer of a Compusa brand generic DVD +/-RW writer. After some research I find out it's an AOpen DVD writer made expressly for Compusa without a corresponding AOpen model number with the same specs. (a made-in-China special!) I have also determined there is no firmware update/upgrade for this (and may never be).
I have no real problems with the compusa AOpen DVD writer other than some "burning" issues (media and software I think) and it was purchased cheap.

I may never need a firmware update but thought I would mention buying a name manufacturer's model you do get a little more support with "firmware" updates.