IDE controller/drive testing?

[Scott R Ehrlich]

I have a copy of Ubuntu Live 5.10 and I want to it to test the IDE controller
and connected CDRW and hard drives.    What is the best tool, or are the best
tools, to perform this?

I'd want to perform as many confidence/integrity tests as possible, as I think
the controller is a problem, and want to see if I can learn.   I'd also like to
see if it has had any impact on the hard drive.

Thanks.

Scott