Cannot Find Blank CD on Desktop

Hi. When I insert a blank CD into my MacBook, running Leopard, nothing happens.
1. I can't see it on the desktop and neither can I see it on Finder.
2. Finder preference "show CD" checked is on.
3. I've tried different blank CD's and they all don't work,
4. When there is data on the CD it appears on the desktop
5. When I go to system preferences cd/dvd it only shows 3 options NONE of which are "when I insert a blank CD" or "when I insert a blank DVD" so I can't set these options.

It seems like a software thing and I'm just not "flipping the right switches". Item #5 bothers me though as the other Macs I've seen have this option.

Much thanks.

Thanks for all the guiding questions.
1. The CD doesn't show in disk utility.
2. No I can't burn on iTunes
3. I wanted to see the CD on my desktop as I am looking to burn files by dragging them into the CD window on the desktop.
4. When I insert the CD it doesn't sound like its reading, just sort of "cruising"

Thanks, I will try this.