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There is a CD stuck in the superdrive of my Titanium powerbook. I have tried ejecting using the eject button and by restarting and holding down the trackpad. The drive whirrs when this is tried, but doesn't push the disc out. Is there anything else I can try? If it is past repair, how expensive is it to replace? And can I plug in an external drive at all?

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A few extra, non‑destructive steps to try beyond what already attempted and suggested — these focus on software/firmware ejection and safe troubleshooting before considering a mechanical replacement.

From the OS side, use the Terminal’s optical‑drive tool (drutil) to force an eject and to check drives. Run these from Applications → Utilities → Terminal:

drutil list          # shows drive numbers
drutil eject         # ejects default drive
drutil tray eject 1  # target a specific drive number if needed

drutil will unmount and command the drive; it’s often quicker than repeated restarts. (ss64.com)

Because the machine is a PowerBook G4 (PowerPC), Open Firmware can force an eject at a lower level if the OS methods fail. Restart and hold Command+Option+O+F, then at the prompt enter:

eject cd
mac-boot

Wait for the drive to respond before typing mac-boot. Note: this method is specific to older PowerPC Macs (it does not apply to Intel Macs). (flylib.com)

Other practical notes and cautions: try an NVRAM/PRAM reset (Command+Option+P+R at startup) to re‑enumerate hardware, and avoid pushing or prying on the slot except through the dedicated manual‑eject access already suggested by . If Open Firmware reports it “can’t open the eject device” or terminal commands don’t see the drive, that points at a mechanical/jam issue that usually needs a teardown or a service‑level repair — stop forcing things to avoid cosmetic or drive damage and consult an authorised technician. (eshop.macsales.com)

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Member Avatar for yellow

There is a CD stuck in the superdrive of my Titanium powerbook. I have tried ejecting using the eject button and by restarting and holding down the trackpad. The drive whirrs when this is tried, but doesn't push the disc out. Is there anything else I can try? If it is past repair, how expensive is it to replace? And can I plug in an external drive at all?

There should be a manual eject if you use a (strong/thick) paperclip and try to move the felt out of the way. It should be on thr right of the opening. No guarantees. How expensive is it? No telling. Assuming the drive still works, it's going to be a lot cheaper then replacing the drive. Yes you can plug in an external drive. I suggest firewire.

Member Avatar for nomie44

Thanks - I'll give that a go...

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