User profile for user: Saxen_Paul
Saxen_Paul Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

MacBook Pro Optical Drive blocked! Drive is empty

Hi together,
my optical drive is blocked. No CD/DVD inserted. I tried to insert a disc. not possible. feels like a arm avoid a insert of the disc.
when booting the mac the drive tries 3 times to eject something. (even its empty).

The "Eject" Button does not work...

Thanx

Message was edited by: Saxen_Paul

Mac Book Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Mar 21, 2010 12:45 PM

Reply
12 replies
Sort By: 
User profile for user: Rod Hagen
Rod Hagen
User level: Level 7
32,000 points

Mar 21, 2010 3:36 PM in response to Saxen_Paul

You could try an SMC reset, Paul - see http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2801 and http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

You could also try holding down the trackpad button or eject key while starting up the computer to see whether this will reset it.

It is quite possible that this is a hardware issue, though, I'm afraid. Is the computer still under warranty?

Cheers

Rod
Reply
User profile for user: MacBookPro Lover
MacBookPro Lover
User level: Level 1
0 points

Mar 21, 2010 5:42 PM in response to Saxen_Paul

This sounds like a defect or system/mechanical error with your OD all together. If you've purchased AppleCare and/or you are still under warranty, you should take this to your local Apple Authorized Repairman/Retailer or an Apple Store. If you need any more suggestions or help, please let me know!
Reply
User profile for user: HelloMyNameIsZach
HelloMyNameIsZach
User level: Level 1
1 points

Mar 22, 2010 3:22 AM in response to Bugsy123

Bugsy123 wrote:
I had the same problem with my old powerbook. Try this:


Close the lid of the computer and push a disk into the superdrive as far as it will go - Don't force it! Open up the computer and simultaneously (gently) push the disk in.

Hope that makes sense!

Worth a shot


This did not work for me; the drive is COMPLETELY blocked off somehow.
I guess I should just take it to applecare.
Reply
User profile for user: ThrustinJ
ThrustinJ
User level: Level 1
37 points

Apr 22, 2010 7:31 AM in response to HelloMyNameIsZach

Have the same issue with a client computer. Upon inspection (opening the case and removing the drive) the DVD Drive, an Hitachi-LG Data Storage drive, has a metal arm that is hinged up and blocking the slot. It's almost immovable.

It's never been used before by this user, though she has had a few months.

I'm going to do some more research.
Reply
User profile for user: ThrustinJ
ThrustinJ
User level: Level 1
37 points

Apr 22, 2010 7:54 AM in response to ThrustinJ

From another thread:

"I believe that there is a tiny arm or lever that is supposed to keep you from inserting a disc if there is already one in the machine. I have also heard about this little lever getting hung up and preventing inserting a disc even if the drive is empty. It may be that the restart and sleep cycle restored the little arm to where it should be. Interesting if so."

My conclusion is the drive is dead and needs to be replaced. Going to try a PRAM reset as well as starting computer with drive not connected, then restarting.
Reply
User profile for user: Merach
Merach
User level: Level 1
0 points

Jun 21, 2010 11:20 PM in response to Saxen_Paul

This problem also happened to my optical drive, probably from typing and resting my wrists on it continually or the fact that my son stood/stepped on it (OD exactly) once when jumping off the table...
either way the OD is bent and needs fixed. This discussion was very helpful. I knew it was broken. I have an external drive for now but I want it fixed and also I was curious about a ball park price as well.

Did it really take 15 minutes to replace?
Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

MacBook Pro Optical Drive blocked! Drive is empty

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up