My original Kreon drive just died on me, the laser refused to initialize, and I am hesitant on buying a new one (partially because I can't find them on eBay any more). Is there any replacement FW for this drive that might work? Thanks.

Nope, will not work. Looks like you will have to get a Samsung dvd rom drive as they are they only known drives that can be used in a pc to read your original 360 discs.

Any sugestions and/or model numbers of Samsung drives to buy? Hopefully less than $50. I can flash them myself. Thanks.

I bought one from this guy in Korea, cheap, quick and once I flashed it, works a treat!