I beleive Windows 2000 and XP autodetect DVD-ROM drives, as do Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X. Using Windows 98 and earlier may require a special driver. Linux may need a driver or a mount to enable it.
Some BIOSes have a DVD drive setting that may need to be set on their IDE interface for it. Additionally, most IDE and ATAPI DVD drives have a master/slave/cable select jumper.
In order to burn CDs or DVDs using a DVD burner, you need software to do so, such as Roxio, Sonic, or Nero.