Apple - MacBook® Pro MD101LL/A dvd drive not working

Question

Level 1

7 points

Apple - MacBook® Pro MD101LL/A dvd drive not working

I have an Apple - MacBook® Pro Model MD101LL/A and for some reason, the dvd drive is not working.

When I insert a DVD, nothing happens. Even if I click on the DVD drive icon and try to play the DVD this, nothing happens. Before, when I insert the DVD, the DVD player/program automatically opens and plays the DVD.

I don't know if the problem is with the program or the DVD tray?

Any thoughts on how to troubleshoot? Thanks.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, iOS 10.2, null

Posted on Jan 7, 2017 7:09 AM

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Answer 1

ebolaz Author

Level 1

7 points

Jan 7, 2017 10:56 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Thanks for the quick response.

I tried the instructions you've linked but unfortunately, it did not fix the optic drive. I reset the SMC as instructed on there.

The DVD drive still immediately ejects the DVD I try to insert.

Any other thoughts?

I wonder if there is something stuck in there that mucking up the drive?

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Answer 2

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Jan 7, 2017 11:27 AM in response to ebolaz

If you suspect that there is something inside the DVD drive, then you can take it out and open it.

If that prospect is not to your liking, then make an appointment at an apple store genius bar and have the technician deal with it. The session will be FREE.

Ciao.

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Answer 3

Jan 7, 2017 12:45 PM in response to ebolaz

While not the solution you are looking for, I think this is a great time for you to replace the SuperDrive for an SSD. The prices have come down a lot and you can get a 500GB SSD for $150 or less. Check out this video:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UDXSDnEv9uY

You can always get an external SuperDrive for $79 or get a third party DVD burner from LG for $25-35 on Amazon that will work just as well.

Just something to consider to massively improve your machine.

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Answer 4

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Jan 9, 2017 5:48 AM in response to ebolaz

ebolaz wrote:

Is it like free diagnosis but they won't necessarily fix the problem?

The diagnosis will be free. If the issue can be resolved quickly at the counter, that also will be done gratis. If it is an involved repair or the Mac is 'obsolete' by Apple standards, then there will potentially be costs involved.

Ciao.

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Answer 5

ebolaz Author

Level 1

7 points

Jan 9, 2017 5:57 AM in response to lec0rsaire

OK, that video is 'intimidating' as heck.

This is my daughter's laptop and she uses it for school.

I just hate it that the optic drive conked out. But I am neither confident nor tech-savvy enough to open this baby up and muck around with its innards. If this was an extra laptop lying around, I might have a go at it. But not the case.

Thanks for the suggestion, though.

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Answer 6

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Jan 7, 2017 7:46 AM in response to ebolaz

Look here for a possible solution:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201788

They do fail>

Ciao.

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Answer 7

ebolaz Author

Level 1

7 points

Jan 9, 2017 5:40 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Hmmm... tech session for free at the Apple Store Genius Bar? Sounds so anti-Apple for them to be giving out something for free. Is it like free diagnosis but they won't necessarily fix the problem?

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