kenshinzu69

Q: DVD's just spit out, how do I fix this on iBook G4

I just bought an iBook G4 from eBay and I need to know how can I get any DVD's to play without having to buy an external hard drive? I have videos that I need to watch and I need to get this fixed asap.

iBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Mar 14, 2014 10:47 AM

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Q: DVD's just spit out, how do I fix this on iBook G4

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  • by K Shaffer,Helpful

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Mar 16, 2014 12:09 PM in response to kenshinzu69
    Level 6 (14,244 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 16, 2014 12:09 PM in response to kenshinzu69

    You may have to get & use a quality DVD player cleaning disc

    to see if the lenses in the iBook can be the source of this issue.

     

    Did the computer include the operating system install DVD?

    That should also be an important part of the purchase, also

    the 'original install-restore' DVD media discs, w/ gray label.

     

    There are a few things you could try, in addition to cleaning the

    optical drive player's lenses, that may help. An external DVD

    drive may or may not work. USB2.0 or slower could balk. And

    if you need to boot from a System DVD, that won't work; may

    need a FireWire based DVD combo or superdrive (hard to find.)

     

    Some have suggested to reset the PRAM (NVRAM) using all four keys on

    startup to force this to occur; & let the computer start sound (bong) 3 times.

     

    "...to reset or 'zap' the PRAM - hold down the Opt + Apple + P + R keys immediately on

    startup - Continue hold the keys till you have heard three bongs.  Test the drive again."

     

    My Optical Drive ejects discs after I insert them - iBook G4 12" 1.33GHz - ifixit.com:

    http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/6415/My+Optical+Drive+ejects+discs+after+I+in sert+them.

     

    However, some suggest that you reset PMU (power management unit)

     

    •Resetting PowerBook and iBook Power Management Unit (PMU)

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1431

     

    Hopefully this will help. Various hardware issues are a reason why auctions are not

    an ideal place to buy a previously owned Mac. Companies who repair or sell them

    directly to a customer, online, offer greater value, set price, & a limited guaranty.

     

    Good luck & happy computing!

  • by kenshinzu69,

    kenshinzu69 kenshinzu69 Mar 17, 2014 8:47 AM in response to K Shaffer
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 17, 2014 8:47 AM in response to K Shaffer

    I will try to get a disk cleaner I've already tried to reboot it using the PRAM and that didn't work. Hopefully the optical drive just needs to be cleaned. I'll let you know if the disc cleaner worked or not. Thanks for the information and help.