CDR Light On - Tray Won't Open


Tutorial Home >Hardware >Storage and Drives >CD-R/CD-RW >How do I find out what to do if the CD-R's light is on, but the tray won't open?
Tutorial Home >Hardware >Storage and Drives >CD-R/CD-RW >Troubleshooting CD-Rs & CD-RWs >CDR Light On - Tray Won’t Open

  Step 1:  Wait and Retry

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Wait a moment, and then firmly press the Eject button again.
  Step 2:  Locate Manual Ejection button

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Look for a small hole in the front of the CD drive, usually below or to either side of the CD drive tray. Unfold a paper clip, and gently insert it into the hole until it reaches the mechanism at the end of the hole. Working gently, try pressing this a few times to see if the tray will open.
  Step 3:  Open the Case (Internal)

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From Windows Start, choose Shutdown. Turn off the PC and disconnect power. Remove the cover. Ground yourself before touching anything inside the case.
  Step 4:  Check Drive Cables

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Check the cables running to and from the CD drive, make certain they are all securely connected. If possible, try a different cable between the CD drive and the motherboard or the hard disk (depending on how your CD is currently connected).
  Step 5:  Check the Drive Mounting

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Remove the screws holding the CD drive in place, and check the seating of the CD drive. Any slight tilting – or screws inserted too tightly – can affect how the drive tray operates. Secure the drive, and replace the screws (not too tightly!).
  Step 6:  Replace and Restart

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Replace the PC cover. Reconnect the power and turn the PC on. Once Windows starts, try pressing the Eject button again. Should the tray still fail to open, it's time to replace the drive.