MacBook Pro Optical Drive blocked! Drive is empty

I am having the same problem.
It's very strange.
I'm almost positive that there's nothing in there, and nothing shows up in disk utility, but it doesn't allow me to insert anything into the drive.

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

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!

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

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.

Have you tried an SMC reset yet, Zach?

When you restart after the SMC reset try having a CD ready partially in the slot and try pushing it in gently just as you start up.

Cheers

Rod

I took it to AppleCare, and they said the drive simply needs to be replaced.
Thanks for all of your help though!

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.

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.

How much did the new drive cost you?

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?