DVD drives won't eject

[alice]

I have a PC with WInXP Pro and no matter how many times I replace the
DVD drive, it has a problem. It will open using the front eject button,
but then when I wan to eject, I need to use the emergency/manual eject
hole. I've tried using software like Media Player to eject and nothing
a happens. Basically only a reboot will make it work again, and then
only once, after that it's back to using the paper clip everytime. I
have replaces this drive with other DVD drives about 3 times now, and
the problem still persists, so I'm wondering what else I might need to
look into...is it something in the OS or the motherboard? I don't know
where to turn to trroubleshoot this anymore.

 

[Phil Anthropist]

I have a PC with WInXP Pro and no matter how many times I replace the
DVD drive, it has a problem. It will open using the front eject button,
but then when I wan to eject, I need to use the emergency/manual eject
hole. I've tried using software like Media Player to eject and nothing
a happens. Basically only a reboot will make it work again, and then
only once, after that it's back to using the paper clip everytime. I
have replaces this drive with other DVD drives about 3 times now, and
the problem still persists, so I'm wondering what else I might need to
look into...is it something in the OS or the motherboard? I don't know
where to turn to trroubleshoot this anymore.

Have you tried pressing the eject button for 2 seconds? Do you have this
problem when the drive is empty (no CD or DVD in the drive)? Generally
speaking a CD or DVD drive won't eject because the disk is still being
accessed by some process which is why a reboot or reset works to free the
drive. Are you waiting long enough after pressing the eject button for the
computer to finish accessing the drive and for the drive tray to open?
Sometimes I have to press the eject button several times on my computer and
wait for the computer to finish. But if your drive doesn't open at all after
waiting, or doesn't open when the drive is empty, all I can suggest is that
it isn't being recognised properly in either the BIOS or in Windows. Remove
the drive, reboot the computer, turn off the computer, put the DVD drive
back in then power up the computer to get it to detect the new hardware.

 

[sandy58]

Check the installed position of your DVD-rom making sure the activating
plunger/button (ejecting button) is making good physical contact with
the DVD button. Remove the PC box cover, loosen the holding screws,
slide dvd-rom out and in using ONE screw to hold it while checking
action. When (and IF) you find the correct position, replace and
tighten ALL DVD-rom screws, cover.
Good luck.

 

[alice]

Is there a certain process I should look for in task manager that might
be windows media player or something else that still has a grip on it?