First question: Yes, you can connect an IDE device to any connector on an IDE cable, unless the cable specifies otherwise. On a regular 40 or 80 wire IDE cable, the drive jumpers soley determine the ...
I don't think you CAN use 80 wire cables for anything but HDs but I could be wrong. I believe my computer is setup at home with 80 wire on the HD and a standard IDE cable on the CD Roms.