I can't open the CD tray!

[JorgeA]

Hello,

I have a Slimline s5-1010 model. This evening I wanted to put a CD-ROM into the optical disk drive, but apparently I did not place it correctly in the vertically oriented tray, and now the computer will neither read the CD nor open back out so that I can reposition the CD. Pressing the physical eject button on the outside of the PC case results in some evident attempts to do something, but ultimately nothing happens. It seems to be stuck.

What can I do to fix this? Is there a way to access the drive without performing major surgery? I'm not averse to opening the case, but I'd rather not have to take everything apart if possible.

Thanks for any ideas.

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

Jorge, welcome to the forum.

There is a small hole in the middle of the drive under the tray.  Straighten a paper clip.  Stick it in the hole and push.  This should open the door.

Please click "Accept as Solution" if your problem is solved.

[JorgeA]

Well, it took some pushing but your solution worked like a charm!

For anyone who has a similar problem, let me just add that I got it to work by pushing the paper clip in the little hole at the same time as I pressed the Eject button on the case, and then pushing firmly till the paper clip went all the way in. The CD tray then popped out and I was able to reposition (or take out) the CD. A nice piece of troubleshooting engineering, that little pinhole.

Thank you very much!!

[old_geekster]

Jorge, it is my pleasure.