Member Avatar for mmurphy

I have a very annoying problem. My CDR drive keeps opening and closing for no apparent reason. Since I don't know what causes it, I don't know how to fix it.:cry:

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A short, practical troubleshooting path that builds on points made by , , , and and orders tests from least to most invasive.

A useful first test is to separate the operating system from the hardware. Boot the PC from a known-clean medium (Linux Live USB or Windows PE) with networking disabled and observe the tray. If the drive acts up outside the installed OS or during POST/BIOS, the fault is almost certainly hardware. If the tray is quiet in a clean environment, the problem lives in the installed OS or a resident program.

When the fault looks software-related, collect evidence rather than guessing. Start Windows in Safe Mode and review startup entries (msconfig or Autoruns/Sysinternals). Run Process Monitor while reproducing the event and filter for accesses to the optical drive (filter by the drive letter, e.g. "E:" or device path) to see which process issues the eject. Also check Task Scheduler, remote-control/IR receiver software, media players and burning suites, and temporarily disconnect any keyboards or remotes that expose media/eject keys.

When the fault looks hardware-related, take low-risk swap-and-observe steps with the power off and ESD precautions in place. Remove the front bezel to inspect for binding or debris, swap the drive into another system (or try a known-good drive in this system), and try a different power connector. If the behavior follows the drive, replacement is the pragmatic fix. If it follows the PC, investigate power-rail stability or the case/front-panel controller.

Other practical items: uninstall/reinstall the optical device in Device Manager, consider an offline malware/rescue scan if on-system scanners were inconclusive, and check the drive vendor for firmware updates. Always unplug mains power before opening the case. Quick checklist: boot clean -> capture which process accesses the drive -> swap power/drive -> replace or update firmware.

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Member Avatar for viperman224

is this computer one you built or bought? how old is it? if it is one you built and its not that old try pulling the cover off and make sure the cables are connected correctly the IDE cable will have a red stripe showing pin one on it. the red stripe should be pointed to the power plug on the drive. also make sure the jumpers are set correctly and that no other cables have come off.

Member Avatar for WEATHER CHANNEL

I have a very annoying problem. My CDR drive keeps opening and closing for no apparent reason. Since I don't know what causes it, I don't know how to fix it.:cry:

SUB7 trojan or another type.

Member Avatar for TallCool1

I have a very annoying problem. My CDR drive keeps opening and closing for no apparent reason. Since I don't know what causes it, I don't know how to fix it.

This is the first time I have had a chance to reply. Possible causes:

Software -- under what circumstances does this happen? Are you on the internet, is there a particular program running, does it happen at turn-on or if the unit has been running for a while, etc.

Hardware -- a common problem is a bad tray open/close push-button switch. The switch behind the front panel button is very cheap and prone to problems. The "springiness" to the action is provided by the same piece that closes the circuit. A partial collapse of the contact will cause the switch to intermittently short out, making it act like the button has been pressed. How does the button feel when you press it? There should be a slight-but-noticeable "snap" or "click" to the feel of it. These switches are cheap and relatively easy to replace. Sometimes, too the plastic button binds in the panel and never fully pops back out when pressed -- try wiggling it by probing its edge with a round toothpick to check this.

Member Avatar for biscuit99

I'm having the same problem. CD opens/closes at will. I'm running
a virus scan right now. I had this happen with my old pc also.

Member Avatar for pepe6

I have a problem with my CD drive, as soon as I start up my computer the drive opens and remains open until the computer is switched off. I have scanned the computer with anti virus, Adaware and Spybot without any solution. Can you help??

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