Member Avatar for oilstains

I'm having a really hard time ejecting my cd out. I've tried dragging the cd icon into the trash. Tried restarting the computer and pressed on the eject button on my keyboard. Is there a way for me to manually tell the computer to eject my cd? This happened before and I was able to type in some codes into my computer and the cd ejected. But I cannot find the steps to do it anywhere. Please help.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by redage

Dani AI

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Short checklist that follows what’s already been tried here (thanks to , and ) and gives a few practical steps to try before taking the G5 in for service.

  1. Try a command-line eject (safe, fast). In Terminal check the mounted volumes and try ejecting by name; if that fails list the optical drives and issue a direct eject:
ls /Volumes
diskutil eject /Volumes/YourDiscName

# if that does nothing:
drutil list
drutil eject
# or for tray-style drives:
drutil tray eject <drive-number>

These command-line options are a standard, low-risk next step when the Finder won’t eject. (osxdaily.com)

  1. Make sure nothing is holding the disc: quit apps that might be using files on it (Preview, iTunes, Finder windows) or check for processes with Activity Monitor / lsof. If software holds the mount, a quit or force‑quit will often free the disc; Apple’s eject troubleshooting page lists these basic checks. (support.apple.com)

  2. If Open Firmware reported “ok” but nothing moved (as you described), that usually points at a physical jam — uneven/warped media, a misaligned bezel, or a failing mechanism. Apple’s slot‑loading troubleshooting notes show a careful manual‑release technique (paperclip method) and warn of common mechanical causes; follow that guidance exactly or stop and get service. Don’t jab randomly into the slot — you can easily damage the mechanism. (manualzilla.com)

  3. If none of the above works the drive itself is probably failing. Replacing the internal optical drive or using an external USB drive are the usual fixes; official take‑apart/replacement instructions exist if you’re comfortable with hardware work, otherwise an Apple Authorized Service Provider or local repair shop is safer. (manualzilla.com)

If the disc holds important data, stop further DIY attempts that could damage the disc and consider professional recovery.

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Member Avatar for John A

First, does the CD eject if you boot with the mouse button held down?

Member Avatar for oilstains

I've tried that already and it doesn't work.

Member Avatar for John A

Okay, then you might have to use open firmware. When your iMac is booting, hold down Apple-Option-F. This should bring you to the open firmware prompt. Type eject cd , wait a little while for it to eject the CD, then type mac-boot to boot the system.

Member Avatar for oilstains

I tried that, and it says ok, but my cd is still in the computer. I think I'm going to have to take it in. Thanks for your help.

Member Avatar for redage

You have to manually lower the cover of the CD-Drive, with a pin at least 2 inches long, you have to push into a little whole on either side of the CD-Drive. Use a Flashlight for really good sight as it is (the little hole) hardly findable, especially when you have a black cover. That ejects the CD mechanically.

best, redage

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