My optical drive in my Early 2011 MacBook Pro doesn't work...

Greetings TheSnapDude,

It appears your optical drive is not responding. Based on the information you have provided, your MacBook Pro's optical drive may need to be serviced. The following link should help you get started with the process and has links with additional information on topics such as warranty and service pricing, battery replacement, and express replacement service.

Apple - Support - Service Answer Center

There is an additional method which allows you to use another computer's optical drive. Take a look at this link which will help you learn how to share drives and check if your computers meet the requirements:

OS X Yosemite: Use another computer’s DVD or CD drive

Thank you for contributing to Apple Support Communities.

Best,

Bobby_D

Yup just read that, 15":

Sometimes you can take it apart and clean the opticals and it will work. Otherwise replace it via iFixIt:

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Unibody+Early+2011+Optical+Driv e+Replacement/5904

That's expensive for a used drive. Might look on eBay.

There's also a recall on this model:

Apple Recall:

https://www.apple.com/support/macbookpro-videoissues/

TheSnapDude,

I've located some information in regards to the mail-in service you mentioned. This is the same service the Apple Retail Store offered you. Keep in mind that some of this information may have changed. The following link may help:

AppleCare Direct Mail-In Repair Service

Cheers,

Bobby_D