jkoeller;
Is the laser diode you got out of your drive a flat 3 or 4-pin model ??
If so, check out my testing thread:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f50/flat-red-laser-diode-testing-1st-phase-47044.html
They are harder to mount, but provide good power.
Modwerx is a good source for the LPC-815.
LarryDFW
It's not really flat or cylindrical it has a weird shape to it because of the heatsink it's attached to, and I haven't yet been able to get it out. It could be flat without the sink I'm not sure. I sort of gave up because I didn't think I'd be able to mount it in anything. I was able to light a match and burn through electrical tape with it, and I don't have a power meter but I was running it off of about ~2.7V and ~240mA.