DVD drive won't eject

[alice]

I have a DVD drive on my XP PC, and it usually won't eject after I use
it once. I have to use the emergency eject hole. I've tried ejecting
with the physical button and with the software and in Windows itself.
The thing is, I've replaced this drive 3 times now, for the same
problem. Each new one stops working.
This would indicate that it is not a problem with the drive itself. But
if that's not the problem, then what is?

 

[orc]

I have a similar problem with the drives occasionally not responding after a
disk has been played / read / written successfully. is your PC a dell by any
chance?

I haven't found a solution but believe it is a driver issue.

I have found a work around which avoids a reboot most times.

right click on my computer
select properties
chose the hardware tab
click device manager
expand the DVD/cd-rom drives on the tree
(is the device showing a triangle - mine always says it is working fine)
right click the offending drive
select disable
okay any warnings and wait for the screen to refresh
then right click the drive again and select enable.
exit out of the device manager and try the drive again.

that normally cures mine without having to shut down etc

hope that helps
ORC

 

[alice]

I have a similar problem with the drives occasionally not responding after a
disk has been played / read / written successfully. is your PC a dell by any
chance?

I haven't found a solution but believe it is a driver issue.

I have found a work around which avoids a reboot most times.

right click on my computer
select properties
chose the hardware tab
click device manager
expand the DVD/cd-rom drives on the tree
(is the device showing a triangle - mine always says it is working fine)
right click the offending drive
select disable
okay any warnings and wait for the screen to refresh
then right click the drive again and select enable.
exit out of the device manager and try the drive again.

that normally cures mine without having to shut down etc

hope that helps
ORC

It is a Dell. I'll have to try what you're talking about.

 

[alice]

Well that works...if only Windows could disable and re-enable the drive
on it's own, but then I guess that would mean it was actually working
normally in the first place.

 

[orc]

Glad it helps a little.

I've been on to the Dell site and downloaded the update to the bios of the
DVD writer. I can't find any other drivers or known issues. I can't say it
has or hasn't cured the problem yet.

Orc

 

[ju.c]

(Please don't delete previous entries, thanks)


To eject a stuck disc insert a toothpick or similar device into
the small hole found somewhere on the disc tray front.

 

[Twayne]

(Please don't delete previous entries, thanks)


To eject a stuck disc insert a toothpick or similar device into
the small hole found somewhere on the disc tray front.

A straightened paper clip is a better choice; sometimes it takes a
little pressure and toothpicks can break off inside and jam it.