Computer help forum: Disc-tray stuck

Sometimes the CD drive doesn't open because the case is misaligned. Try pressing on the center portion of the drive when it is attempting to open!

Good luck

Just wanted to add to ahtoi's suggestion, which has worked for me in this same situation: there might be a panel that covers the tray, and you won't see the tiny hole. If that's the case, just use your fingernail to pry open the panel, which most likely will pull out (not off), and you'll then see the hole. Once you push the straightened out paper clip into the hole, the tray should come out enough for you to pull it out the rest of the way.

I only had to do this once a few years ago and, so far, the tray still opens fine.

Thank you for the information it worked fine for me also though was goin to have take it to a repairman
Phil

I have a Dell Dimension 8400 (older model) and the disc-tray sticks every once-in-awhile. Look at the face of your disc-tray; below the tray you should find a small pin hole. If you straighten out a paper clip (metal), you can insert it into this hole and using some pressure you can force the tray to open manually. This should not hurt your disc-tray or drive, I have done it many times. Hope this helps (no need to open your system, especially if you have never done it)

Arizkid

1. Keep using what works to open and close.
2. Replace the drive by a new one.

Kees

I have a HP Vista and the help section gives several ideas of what to do. Here are 4 suggestions. You have done #4 with the paperclip, but try doing this version with the paperclip, where you shut down your pc and unplug it first. Best of luck.

My disc tray will not open

#1 Open the disc tray using Computer
Click to open Computer.

Right-click the disc drive, and then click Eject.

#2 Open the disc tray using a software program
Many disc-burning and -playing programs include options for ejecting a disc. Try these steps in the following software programs to open the disc tray:

#2A Windows Media Player
Open Windows Media Player.

In the navigation pane, right-click the disc you want to eject, and then click Eject.

#2B Roxio Creator
Open Roxio Creator.

Click the Eject button ( ) in the lower-left corner of the Roxio Creator window.

#3 Open the disc tray upon startup
Restarting the computer and pressing the Eject button on the computer often opens the disc tray. Use these steps:

Save all work and close any open programs before restarting.

Print this Help topic.

Click the Windows Start button (), click the arrow next to the Lock button (), and then click Restart.

When the computer restarts, press the Eject button on the front of the computer when the first screen appears (before Windows Vista launches).

Note
If the drive door opens upon startup but does not open in Computer, a software program may be taking control of the CD driver. Try shutting down or configuring any software programs that create discs or monitor the CD or DVD drive.

#4 Open the disc tray with a paper clip
Close all programs and shut down the computer.

Unplug the power cord from the power outlet.

Look for the small hole on the faceplate of the CD or DVD drive. This is the manual release.

The location of the manual release hole varies.

Note
On some models it may be necessary to remove the front panel to expose the manual release hole. Check the documentation that came with your computer for information about removing the front panel.

Note
On some models the release hole and the drive activity light (LED) look similar and are about the same size. Do not force the paper clip into the hole if it does not go in. Make sure that the hole is not the LED.

Straighten the paper clip, and insert it into the manual release hole until resistance is felt.

Once the resistance is felt, keep pushing the paper clip until the drawer opens a little.

Remove the paper clip, and gently pull out the drawer until the disc is accessible.

Remove the disc and turn on the computer.

CD ROM devices are sensitive to how they are installed in the case. Anything that puts a twisting force on them such as when screws are tightened. I'd find that a stubborn tray would work fine if I loosened screws or moved the drive forward 1mm. I've seen the cases besel interfere with opening as well. Cases aren't always perfectly constructed and we force things to fit. CD ROM drives don't like this.

I was just checking in to see if you had gotten my reply, and I'm like YEEHAW, he got it working!

The only computers I have any knowledge with are HP's, and they come with a help Icon on the desktop... by clicking on the help Icon, one can find every possible solution to pc problems, or questions on the operating system, etc.

My preference for pc's is HP because of the excellent experience I have had with them, and also because of the help Icon. I can watch a video on any subject about pc's, watch tutorials and learn how to do something, or get help from the built in help section, and I can do all of this because it's built into HP computers. Because I only know about HP computers, I don't know if other brands incorporate this info into their computers or not... I am assuming that many don't, or otherwise people wouldn't be asking for help.

Since #3 worked for you, thank HP... it was their instructions that worked to help you with your stuck disc tray. So happy I could help by sending you the info. Think HP... LOL