My DVD Won't Open When the Power Is On

If the drive tray on your computer's DVD drive fails, it could not only be annoying but it could also hinder business if there is a need for the disc stuck inside. Most DVD tray ejectors are controlled electronically, but also have a mechanical emergency-eject mechanism to manually open the DVD tray. All you need is a paperclip or other thin straight wire.

• 1

  Locate your DVD's manual eject button. On most drive trays, it is a small hole on the tray door.

• 2

  Insert a stiff wire or straightened paperclip into the hole. Push in gently until you hear click. The drawer should open part way.

• 3

  Open the tray the rest of the way and remove the disc.

• 4

  Check to see if it was the disc or the drive that caused the problem. If the disc is warped or damaged, or if the label has come off, the optical drive may not need replacing. Try another disc to test if the drive can still operate.