CD ROM Drive Problem

My CD Rom won't open when I press the button anymore. I'm not sure if it's just broken or if this could be software related. It opens sometimes, but very rarely, like once every couple of days I can get it to open. Let me know what other information you might need.

Kevin

 

I guess the most important information to know is that you have checked the power cable is plugged into it properly inside. Thats the only reason i can think of that would stop it opening. Could be partly connected allowing it to open every now and then?

 

What brand is it?? Is it somewhat old?? I've had similar issues with older cd drives, where the eject button shoot craps!! If push comes to shove you can always open it by sticking something (I use the end of an unbent, small paperclip) in the little hole on the front of the drive. When you stick it STRAIGHT into the hole... you will feel it come to a stop approximately 1/2 to 1 inch in, then apply a gentle amount of force and it should push the door out, then you will have to pull it the rest of the way out, and push it all the way back in!! But be easy with it because you are working it against the friction of the motor that drives to tray in and out!! That will make it pop open!! For example...just like sticking a needle into a locked doorknob in order to release the lock!!

Then you will have to access the disc by going into "My Computer" and double clicking on the drive that the disc is in!! Once the program pops up on the screen, you can "X" out of "My Computer" and take it from there as far as doing what need to be done with whatever it is you are doing with that particular program or install off of that cd!! If it is simply a program on the computer that requires the disc be in the drive in order to run, then just simply put the disc in the drive and then start the program as you normally would, and the computer should take it from there!! I know that is kind of a "Fly By Night" way of doing it, but atleast you can still use the drive if the eject button is indeed shot!!

If you still cannot use the drive, then odds are, it is like Jawa said...Either your power and/or ide cable is not securely attatched to the drive, or there is a more serious underlying problem with the mechanics of the actual, physical drive itself, and then it is time to purchase a new drive!!

Let us know what you come up with!!!! I'm curious myself!!

Roger

 

The drive is a sony, it came in my computer, which is about 3.5 years old (got it about a month before the release of Windows XP, though it did come with it). There is no hole on the drive, so I couldn't try that trick. When I press the button, it makes a sound like its trying to come out, but doesn't. It's a light thud. I assume at this point that it's just broken, but I wasn't sure if there was some other issue.

 

Are you sure there isn't a small pinhole on the front of the drive!!!??? Sometimes in the center and sometimes around the eject button somewhere??

I've never seen a cd rom drive that didn't have the manual eject option!!!!

Let me see if I can find a picture...just to make sure you understand what it is i'm talking about!!

Roger