Dell optiplex cd drive wont open

hi there, I have few optiplex GX's that were given from a school,
i'm now currently formatting them and getting them ready for resale.

The first problem I encountered was that I cant open theyr CD drive.
I've encountered this before with dell.

is there any option on them to disable the cd drive for securety reasons?

I find it strange to find all CD drives in dell that I've gotten from local schools
are not working, or has the school technitian "broken" them?

 

Hi Playman,

Do you mean you can't open the drawers to put a disk in or can't read from them? If it's the drawer do they open OK when there is a disk in the drive?

Jim

 

hi and thanks for the reply.
The drive/drawer does not open, I cant put a disk in the drive.
and yes the molex is plugged to the drive.

 

Check the jumper on the back of the drive is set to 'M' then disconnect the 'I assume' IDE cable,while the drive has power press eject and it should open,if it does you know its a setting within bios,if it doesn't try a different PSU/computer or check the molex in question is putting out 5V and 12V.

 

Hi again Playman,

Use a straightened paper clip through the small hole in the front provided by the manufacturer to open the drawer. While you have it open have a look through that big hole at the works. If you see a rubber belt that's the problem. They stretch and begin to slip. With no disk in the drive the magnetic hubs go fully together and really grab each other. The belt slips and can not pull the hubs apart thus can not even begin the job of unlocking the drawer. One way around it is to always leave a disk in the drive. I have almost brand new drives that have the problem. Most good drives use a gear so don't have the problem.

Maybe?

Good Luck, Jim small

 

This happens. I have couple of cd/dvd drive that acted this way. I tried so much but I had to replaced it in the end.

 

Hi Playman and Jaydeee,

I used to have "belt dressing" way back in the dark ages when nearly everything used belts. Haven't really tried to find any lately. Might be worth a Google. You can reach the belt through the big hole under where the disk fits in the tray. With power off open it with the paper clip and move the tray in and out. If you had dressing you can reach it easily. I have tried several things but so far they have only been temporary.

Jim

 

Thanks for the reply's every one.
I decided to open some of the drives, and behold
the belts were torn, likely becouse of the age and usage.

changed the belt and everything worked again.

 

Hi Playman,

Thanks for the thanks! I never saw a belt torn or broken just slipping. Oh well, as my old buddy used to say "Electronic Gadgets are capable of 1,000,000 mistakes per nanosecond". Glad you got it worked out.

Jim

 

Hello playman,
Can you tell me where you got the belts for your drives?

Edit: found this. I have two drives with this problem. Maybe the hot water idea will work.

 

I just took them from some broken drives I had laying around.
I'm just glad that I dont throw everything away that is broken :cool

 

I did find a source but not sure what shipping is? I think I might even try a rubber band.

http://www.matchaknob.com/belts/

I believe the number after the three letters is inside circumference.

 

Hi All,

I thought maybe an ORing might work but couldn't find any the right length that would fit. The best fit was too "Fat" and jammed. I'll try Tgells suggestion about hot water next time I have a chance.

Jim

 

When doing the microwave routine, be careful not to overheat the water as I have heard of people getting burned by something called flash boil. Water looks fine but as soon as it is disturbed the water boils over.