For Digital Audio extraction, (ripping) the minimum system requirement is 
a 16X or faster CD ROM drive.

The reason for this is fairly simple: drives with speed lower than 16X,
usually do not support digital audio extraction; if they are capable of 
doing it, they usually do not perform very well, creating skips, pops and 
other audible artifacts in your music files.

When it comes to "ripping" your CDs tracks to MP3, WMA, or WAV, it can be
said that the faster the CD ROM drive, the better.  The music files will be
created more quickly and accurately.  However, please keep in mind that all 
drives are NOT equal - avoid the "no name" brands and stick with a known
manufacturer.  

If you're getting poor results when you rip music files and are unsure of 
what speed or type of CD-ROM drive you have, try contacting the computer
manufacturer for more information about the drive, or check in Windows Device
Manager.  As CD-ROM drives are fairly inexpensive these days, replacing your
CD-ROM drive may be the best way to ensure that you're creating high quality
music files.
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