I do not doubt that for a second. It would be interesting to see if the drive works in another system.
Yes, and if it does, then the drive isn't damaged--and something on your system is blocking Anydvd from working properly (and as I mentioned before it would still be in your best interest to ask whomever you bought the drive from for a firmware update; if it's Compaq, then ask Compaq). The most likely culprit would be either firmware or a bad ide/ata busmaster driver. But given that you put in a new burner, and it works, then chances are your original burner was dying.
How can you be so certain? I am assuming you don't work for SlySoft.
I don't.
Even if you do, no one knows how software will work in every environment.
The only way in which Anydvd could "wreck" drives is by running Anydvd ripper non-stop--but that would just be a result of normal wear and tear; it would be akin to blaming Blizzard Entertainment for wearing out graphics cards because people play World of Warcraft non-stop with poorly ventilated systems.
The best developers will tell you there are always unforseen problems/challenges with software.
Of course there are--but Anydvd does not physically damage drives, and you can take that to the bank.
Then your analogy doesn't make any sense, because Anydvd can't be part of your lamp--as a lightbulb. Here is a better analogy:
The year is 3050.
A guy could see properly, but after putting on his new wrap-around shades he found he couldn't see at all. He was puzzled. He bought these new wrap-around shades to help him see better while driving. He took the shades off again. Damn. He still couldn't see.
He goes to see a doctor. The doctor pops out the guy's eyeballs, and gives him new ocular implants. Suddenly he can see again. He puts on his shades. They work! He can see roads clearly; the horizon looks more brilliant than ever.
Electricman says, "I'm 99% sure the shades caused his eye damage."
A number of other people say, "I think his eyes were going bad."
And in the meantime, my girlfriend's rabbit, Bugs, is chewing through my RJ45 cables. Must be Anydvd's fault . . .