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-   -   Tray of CD writer does not open anymore (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-hardware-18/tray-of-cd-writer-does-not-open-anymore-594482/)

colucix 10-25-2007 07:25 AM

Tray of CD writer does not open anymore
 
Hi all! I have a quite strange problem on a Fedora Core 5 machine: the tray of the CD-RW does not open anymore! Pressing the eject button on the writer makes the led to flash, but nothing else happens. The same by issuing the command
Code:

eject /dev/hdc
I am pretty sure there is no cdrom inside, there is not any physical obstacle nor it seems a mechanical issue. It looks like the system does not take control of the CD writer anymore. Here is the hardware specifications as seen by lshw:
Code:

*-cdrom:0
    description: CD-R/CD-RW writer
    product: CD-RW 48X16
    physical id: 0
    bus info: ide@1.0
    logical name: /dev/hdc
    version: A.UZ
    capabilities: packet atapi cdrom removable nonmagnetic dma lba iordy audio cd-r cd-rw
    configuration: mode=udma2 status=nodisc

Vendor is BENQ. My question: is there something I can do from the command line to solve this issue? Thank you.

pixellany 10-25-2007 07:32 AM

There is normally a small hole into which you can push a stiff wire (unbent paper clip--eg) to manually open it. Then try "exercising" it---open and close repeatedly, insert CD and see if it plays, etc. Look to see if it is dirty inside. (It might be time to clean the computer.)

farslayer 10-25-2007 07:41 AM

I have quite a few old CDROM drives that do that.. they get old, dirty, gummed up, whatever, but basically the tray is sticking and the motor can't get it to open.

The paper clip will open the drive, and you may get it working again for a bit, but it's just going to stick again.. Not worth my time to open/clean/lube the drives moving parts..


I usually just replace the drive at that point.

colucix 10-25-2007 07:55 AM

I did never notice that little hole! Good to learn something new about old hardware pieces! I tried the paper-clip method: this time I hear a mechanical noise but the tray does not open and the led does not flash anymore. Do I have to consider this as its last breath? I'm afraid you both are right, since it is quite an old machine. Ok... it's time to get the screwdriver now and see what happens inside the case! Thank you, Pixellany and farslayer for your responses.


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