If you are plugged into a surge protector or UPS, try plugging it straight into the wall. If killing the power for a few minutes doesn't do the trick, it sounds like a hardware failure. Could be...

Have you tried pulling the power cord from the back of the system and plugging it back in? If so does it still do the same thing?

have you tried holding the power button in for about 10-15 seconds? this will usually kill the power to the board. Then power up and see how it goes from there.

If the laptop has USB port, try an external CD drive.

As long as you can access your files, back up any data you need before trying anything else. You should be able to track down what you need and burn it to a cd. Then if all else fails, reinstall the...

A straightened out paper clip inserted into the little hole on the front of the drive should do the trick. It should go in easy until it hits a gear, then you will have to press harder but the drawer...