Member Avatar for 2deeps

Quite simply, the CD/DVD Drive on my laptop won't open, and there's a CD stuck inside.

Help... Please!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by caperjack

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Brief summary: the emergency paper‑clip eject freed the disc (as noted by ), but the tray button no longer works and the drive icon is missing (original report by ). That pattern points to two common causes: a hardware problem (broken push‑button, bezel/latch or connector) or Windows not detecting the drive (driver/ghost device or software conflict). The checklist below helps separate the two and gives safe next steps.

First, confirm whether the machine’s firmware sees the drive. Reboot and enter BIOS/UEFI (common keys: F2, F10, Esc, Del) and look for the optical drive in the hardware list. If the BIOS does not list it, treat this as hardware. If it does, move on to Windows diagnostics.

To inspect Windows device state, open Device Manager and show hidden/non‑present devices. One quick way from a command prompt is:

set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1
start devmgmt.msc

In Device Manager use View → Show hidden devices, then check “DVD/CD‑ROM drives” and related controllers for ghost entries. If the drive appears, try right‑click → Uninstall, then Action → Scan for hardware changes and reboot. Also consider conflicts from virtual drive software (Daemon Tools, Alcohol, Roxio) which can hide or remap physical drives.

If multiple class entries or GUIDs appear (as noticed), stop and back up the registry before attempting manual edits—echoing ’s advice. Registry fixes exist, but editing without a known, trusted guide risks more damage.

If the firmware doesn’t see the drive or the eject button remains dead, reseating the drive may help (as suggested) — only with power removed, battery out if possible, and ESD precautions. Many laptops have a small retention screw for the optical bay. If mechanical repair isn’t comfortable, replacing the internal drive or using an inexpensive external USB optical drive is a reliable workaround. Handle discs gently during any emergency eject to avoid scratches.

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Member Avatar for chuck441

Try a paper clip ...

Straighten out a paper clip. Now, with the laptop turned off, look for a small hole on the CD Drive itself. It should be just the size to accommodate the paper clip. Push the paper clip in gently but firmly until the CD begins to open up. You can then use your hand to finish opening it.

This might be tougher if the CD was inserted wrong and is holding it closed ...

Good luck!

Member Avatar for 2deeps

Thanks very much... it worked!! Although, it's not opening via its button anymore!!!

Member Avatar for chuck441

Good! I'm glad that worked for you.

One other thing you can try, which if it does work is quicker than finding a paper clip:

Open up My Computer.
Right click (the right-hand side mouse button) on the CD Drive.
Choose "eject".

That usually works. Either way, both that and the paper clip method are way cheaper than buying a replacement CD/DVD drive for a notebook.

Member Avatar for 2deeps

Having done the paper clip trick, i realised that the Drive won't open with its button. Also, on My Computer, there is no CD Rom drive icon on there.

Me thinks the damn thing is buggered!!

Member Avatar for chuck441

Yep, it sure sounds like it is ... so unless you absolutely have to have an internal CD/DVD drive, the cheapest replacement (by far) is an external USB (or firewire) drive. Not quite so portable of course ...

Member Avatar for jbennet

Try removing the drive from the laptop and reinserting it. Maybe its a loose connection?

Member Avatar for honeyg

i have the same problem, and when i clicked on the eldergeek.com link thing, and did all that it said, i got up to the 4D36E965........... and about 24 of the same things popped up, so what do i delete and not delete ?

Member Avatar for caperjack

i have the same problem, and when i clicked on the eldergeek.com link thing, and did all that it said, i got up to the 4D36E965........... and about 24 of the same things popped up, so what do i delete and not delete ?

there is only one of them that is ,
4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318..... you go to that one and open it
remember to backup you registry before you remove /edit it in anyway , open regedit and go to file and export to back it up,save file to place you will remember

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