pamb359

Q: Cannot get my disc drive to eject.  It whirs like it want to eject but nothing happens.  Any suggestions on how I can fix this?

My G3 power PC, I cannot get the disc drive to open so I can put a disc into it.  I sounds like it is stuck.  Is there a way I can fix it without taking it in to a repair store?

iMac (USB 2.0), OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

Posted on Dec 30, 2014 10:14 AM

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Q: Cannot get my disc drive to eject.  It whirs like it want to eject but nothing happens.  Any suggestions on how I can fi ... more

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  • by Allan Jones,Helpful

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Dec 30, 2014 12:11 PM in response to pamb359
    Level 8 (35,022 points)
    iPad
    Dec 30, 2014 12:11 PM in response to pamb359

    Try depressing the mouse button while booting. That may open the drive.

     

    Can you tell us more about this computer. There are a number of models of "G3 Power PC" with different form factors and service accessibility. The model type affects any further advice we have on trying to fix it at home.

  • by pamb359,

    pamb359 pamb359 Dec 30, 2014 1:21 PM in response to Allan Jones
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 30, 2014 1:21 PM in response to Allan Jones

    It is:  Model Power mac 6,1

             Power PC G4

     

    We got it out so we could play some old games that became "obsolete" when we upgraded to Yosemite

     

    Thank you for your help

  • by Allan Jones,Solvedanswer

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Dec 30, 2014 1:50 PM in response to pamb359
    Level 8 (35,022 points)
    iPad
    Dec 30, 2014 1:50 PM in response to pamb359

    OK, what you have is an iMac G4 17-inch USB2.0. Good work.

     

    Unfortunately, that model is among the hardest to service at home. Getting one apart is a job of modest difficulty; reassembling it so the heat dissipation system works properly is more difficult. Many have succumbed to heat-related failures following improper reasesembly.

     

    Did you try my suggestion of booting the computer while depressing the mouse button?

     

    When you start the computer can you hear a short sound from the optical drive?

     

    If you put a light fingernail pressure between the tray and the computer case, does anything move?

     

    If you need it serviced professionally, unfortunately Apple considers that model obsolete and will not work on them. You'd need to find an independent repair shop that really knows G4 iMacs.

  • by pamb359,

    pamb359 pamb359 Dec 30, 2014 2:15 PM in response to Allan Jones
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 30, 2014 2:15 PM in response to Allan Jones

    Thank you for your help.  I tried all your suggestions and will probably take it to a mac repair store.

     

    Answers to your questions:

      1.  Yes

      2.  Yes

      3.  I hear something move but nothing happens.

     

    Thanks again

     

    Pam