Why do you think it's trashed? Have someone fix it...or at least attempt it. And yes, you can flash iExtreme 1.61 firmware to the drive so you can use it with your PC...which will also allow you to use it to back up 360 games with SSv2...the most proper way to burn games.
"All drives should be updated to Lite Touch + (LT+) firmware if playing on XBOX live. Samsung drives and pre-78/79 Hitachi drives do not utilize AP 2.5. All other drives are considered to be detectable by Microsoft (YMMV). Make sure all rips are ABGX verified, contain SSv2, and patched AP2.5 (where needed). XGD3 must currently be burned on new drive with PC Burner Max firmware for 100% rip. All modded consoles can be potentially unsafe for use on XBOX live."