Powerbook keeps ejecting DVD's

Question

Level 1

10 points

Powerbook keeps ejecting DVD's

9 out of 10 times whenever i insert a DVD into my Powerbook it makes some noises like trying to read and after about 15 to 20 seconds it ejects.

The few times it actually manages to run the dvd playback is not so good like random skipping and then eventually stops.

Audio CD's seem ok.

I tried a DVD cleaner disc but it didnt help much.

Any suggestions

Powerbook G4 1.67Ghz - 2GB Ram, Superdrive, 15", Mac OS X (10.5.8), iPhone 3GS 16GB

Posted on Dec 8, 2010 10:44 AM

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Answer 1

louie

Level 4

2,950 points

Dec 8, 2010 11:02 PM in response to Dougal222

The optical drives do go bad sometimes, and there are separate lasers for DVDs and CDs, which could explain why your CDs play.

You could just replace the drive (about $100USD for a raw drive, IIRC), or perhaps give another try at cleaning. I have heard that another cleaning technique is to fold some thin fuzzy cloth over a credit card, and plunge it into the drive slot, in an attempt to catch any debris.

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Answer 2

Dougal222 Author

Level 1

10 points

Dec 16, 2010 7:21 AM in response to louie

Hmm i could try the cloth thing. Can't hurt i guess.

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Answer 3

louie

Level 4

2,950 points

Dec 16, 2010 8:55 AM in response to Dougal222

A skilled tinkerer might try to remove the drive, open it and see if something is on the laser assembly. However, most people will just replace the whole drive, either do-it-yourself, or paying a tech.

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