Pram battery problems

Hey there, Art -

The resources below will provide some troubleshooting steps for the issue you are having of the SuperDrive automatically ejecting discs. I'll also include information about the system backup battery for your Mac mini.

Get help with the slot-loading SuperDrive on your Mac computer - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201788

Accepts discs but they don't mount or are automatically ejected

1. Make sure the drive is not placed upside down. The aluminum enclosure should be facing up as shown in section 1.
2. Check the disc's surface for scratches and dirt, since these things can prevent the disc from appearing on the desktop.
3. Connect the MacBook Air SuperDrive directly to the computer's USB port instead a USB hub.
4. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC).
5. Ensure your drive can read the specific type of disc being used. The System Profiler or System Information may provide additional information regarding what media your computer supports.

   OS X Lion v10.7 and later: Click the Apple () menu and then hold down the Option key. Choose System Information from the menu.

6. If the disc continues to not be recognized, contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or make an appointment with an Apple Retail Store.

Macintosh Family: Batteries and Part Numbers, Part 2 - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT2295

Some Macintosh computers have a backup battery to maintain system settings, such as the date and time, when the computer is turned off . The battery may last up to five years. However, this varies due to the battery's shelf life, and usage patterns of the computer. The batteries used in Macintosh computers are lithium or alkaline, and are commonly 3.6 V to 4.5 V.

If your computer does not retain parameter RAM (PRAM) settings when it is turned off, this generally indicates that the battery needs to be changed. Some Macintosh models may display a black screen when you turn them on if the battery needs to be changed.

If you are uncomfortable changing the battery, an Apple Authorized Service Provider can install one for you.

Mac mini

Macintosh Model	Battery part no.
Mac mini	922-6476

All the best,

- Judy

For the PRAM battery, uncheck automatic date & time in sys prefs, leave it like that for a while, then see how far off the time goes. If it keeps time very badly, then you can be fairly certain the battery is weak or dead. Don't know about your mini, but changing the battery in some I've looked at is a total nightmare. It's buried as deeply as it could be without it being sealed off completely.

For the superdrive, get a cleaning disc. That may be all it needs. However, the superdrives in the minis aren't known for having long lives. It may be toast.