Any suggestions for fixing a recalcitrant DVD-RW tray?
Asked by
Nullo (
22009
)
January 29th, 2011
It’s the one on my computer, a Lite-On, installed circa 2006. It’s been giving me trouble on and off for years now. Attempts to open it result in a sort of chuk-caluk sound, sometimes followed by a handful of clicks in rapid succession.
The tray is presently empty.
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7 Answers
If the problem is getting the drive open, there’s a tiny hole wide enough for a paper clip on the front panel. If you push it in (preferably while the computer is off), it will force the tray to eject. From there, you may be able to remove any obstructions or broken parts jamming the mechanism.
Open ‘er up and see if the tray is still on the track. Or if the track is broken.
In my experience, CD/DVD players seem to be the only PC part which usually fails on most machines. It’s like they are disposable. At least decent ones are less than $20 US. (Yes I have purchased more expensive models but they were no better).
If it’s from 2006, I’d say you got your money’s worth! Don’t waste your time. In fact, if it’s from 2006 it might even be IDE. Throw that thing away. Get a new one for $20, slip it in, plug in the power and SATA cords, and you’re good to go.
True enough. You won’t even need that little grey audio cable anymore if you get a SATA.
@jazzticity Eheh, well, you see, the motherboard is at least a year older. I don’t know that it could support a state-of-the-rat drive.
Not an issue. You can still get new DVD drives that are IDE (or hybrid). Newegg has them for $17.
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