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Q: MacBook Pro Optical Drive Ejects 3 times on Startup

I have a mid 2012 15" MacBook Pro and the optical drive is acting up.

 

Upon startup, the optical drive will make three attempts at what sounds like ejecting, then stop making noise. After the MBP startup, when I try to insert a disc the drive will not suck in the disc not matter how far it is inserted.

 

I can open Terminal an run a drutil eject command and wait for the perfect time to get the disc in and read. However, after ejecting it will re-make the three-attempt-eject sound and stop just as during startup.


I've tried resetting PRAM and SMC. Any other ideas?


Posted on Aug 10, 2016 8:51 AM

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Q: MacBook Pro Optical Drive Ejects 3 times on Startup

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  • by tim_135,

    tim_135 tim_135 Aug 11, 2016 12:47 PM in response to skube
    Community Specialists
    Aug 11, 2016 12:47 PM in response to skube

    Hi skube, 

     

    Thanks for the question and for using the Apple Support Communities. I see that you are having issues with the optical drive on your MacBook Pro not accepting the disc. I like to use my optical drive as well to so I can understand your concern. I'll be happy to provide some information for you. This article goes over some troubleshooting steps:

    Get help with the slot-loading SuperDrive on your Mac computer

    This section in particular

     

    Doesn't accept discs

     

    1. Be sure to check your disc to make sure it is flat. You can check this by putting the disc upside-down on a flat surface. If the disc is bowed up on any side or in the center, do not use the disc because it might get stuck in the drive. Do not use discs that have anything attached to them or dangling from them (such as "sweeper" or cleaning discs).
    2. If the drive struggles when you put in a disc or stops part-way, carefully look at the disc for labels that may be interfering. If there aren't any raised labels then try putting the disc in a few more times.
    3. Try another disc to see if the issue is being caused by a specific disc.
    4. Make sure you insert the disc far enough for the drive mechanism to activate. You need to insert discs nearly all the way before the drive will activate and pull them in. If you don't completely insert a disc, the drive will reverse and push the disc back out.
    5. Allow the drive one or two seconds to accept the disc while it is fully inserted.
    6. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC).
    7. If the drive repeatedly does not accept discs, contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or make an appointment with an Apple Retail Store.


     

     

    Have a great day!