DVD drive won't open

[Bhakta Neal]

I am using a Gateway laptop, Kubuntu 10.04.

I am not sure why, but my optical drive tray will not open.

I have even tried to open it via the button right after reboot. No luck.

What to do?

[MoonRise]

Re: DVD drive won't open

Well, if I read this right, that issue wouldn't be related to the OS. It sounds as though the mechanism that releases the tray has died on you. Most CD/DVD drives have a small hole near the release button. It is an 'emergency" release. Use a paper clip or something of the size of the hole to push the release there. If after doing that and retrieving what ever disk you had there the normal release still does not work It sounds as though you'll need a new optical drive.

[oshunluvr]

Re: DVD drive won't open

Mine will fail to open about a third of the time. I'm using a desktop so I suspect the actuator that pushes the tray open has weakened or needs lube.

No biggie - once you figure out how to get to open, just do that when you use the drive. Keep the paperclip or screwdriver handy!

[Ntsimp]

Re: DVD drive won't open

The optical drive in my Dell Inspiron 1525 no longer ejects when I push the button, but the "eject" command still works from the console.