DVD drive does not always open

Question

Some times after I play a CD audio disc the drive will not open either with software or hardware eject. I have to reboot. What would cause this? Couldnt find a cure from searching the forum   Sys=Dim 8400, Win XP, Samsung DVD ROM drive   thanks Bill

Skybird · Answer

Try it without powering down.

Skybird · Answer

Rather than rebooting you can try this ..........

wfcr · Answer

Thanks for that link but if I have to power down I might as well reboot :-) Bill

Skybird · Answer

The driver is generic to the Operating System.  Do you mean Firmware?You never stated the Brand and Model of you drive so I never looked it up.  If there is Firmware available, it may be worth trying.

wfcr · Answer

ok next time I will do that. I also see where there is a new driver for download. Do you think I should install it? I hate trying updates and getting more problems. Thanks for your help Bill

wfcr · Answer

Yes I will try that paper clip trick next time. I appreciate your honesty on the firmware update. I get uneasy doing these updates as too many times bad things happen. You know the old saying "dont trouble trouble that doesnt trouble you" :-)

Thanks again.

Bill

wfcr · Answer

Its samsung DVD SD616E. I got it from under the download section but have not installed it yet. The file is R86763.exe bill

Skybird · Answer

I agree with you.  If the drive still has the DELL warranty, DELL will stand behind the flash even if it fails (as long as it is their Firmware).

Skybird · Answer

That is the correct Firmware. My recommendation is
to use the "paperclip" trick the next time it doesn't
open. I cannot explain why, but sometimes that makes
the problem go away as reported by a couple of folks
who experienced the problem.

If the problem continues, the Firmware would be worth
a try. I am cautious about Firmware flashes. Keep the
Firmware handy incase you decide to try it.

Joeez · Answer

Just so you know I have had my Dell for less than a month (Dimension 4700) and have experienced the non-ejection problem  both on the cd and dvd rom.  My solution has been to reboot as well.  On the one occasion that I actually called technical support, they said it was the DVD.  It wasn't.  This problem comes and goes on both drives.  I understand the paper clip maneuver but what gives?  This shouldn't be happening.  I have to think it is a software glitch.

baczek · Answer

i cant open it manual....

baczek · Answer

every one have this problem.

timotheusd · Answer

Is the drive in question a full size optical drive or a slim (Laptop style)?

I have seen desktop optical drives that the Belt slipped off the motor and the pulley that drives the motorized tray, (but since yours works after rebooting, that's not your issue.) I've also seen some drives that needed a kick in the emergency eject hole to start the tray moving.

When you press the eject button on an optical drive the command goes down to the OS, and if something is still actively using the optical media, it will not eject, (and in theory the OS should tell you so.)

It sounds like this could be something along the lines of the Sony Audio CD Rootkit, where something has gotten into your computer and is constantly trying to access the optical media.

Storage, Drives & Media

DVD drive does not always open

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