What to do if CD or DVD stuck in drive?

Note: This document is for disc drives with a disc in the drive that prevents the tray from opening. See our CD-ROM, DVD, or other disc tray not opening document, if the tray is not opening at all or doesn't seem to be getting power.

If the CD or DVD is not set into the disc tray correctly, it could be sticking up above the surface of the tray, causing it to get stuck with then tray tries to open. In this case, it may be possible gently shake the computer and move the CD or DVD into the correct place in the tray, allowing the drive to open. However, use caution when doing this, as you do not want to shake the computer too much, or you could damage other components.

If this is a desktop computer, you can prevent damage to the computer by opening the computer and removing the disc drive in order to shake or rotate the drive. When the drive is out of the computer, you can manually release the tray by inserting a paperclip into the manual eject hole.

In the case of a laptop computer or a slot load disc drive, since the CD or DVD does not sit in a tray, it cannot be shaken in order to adjust the disc. If the disc is visible you may be able to move the disc a bit by hand, enough to allow the drive to eject the disc. Again, be careful in doing so, as you could damage the disc or drive in the process.

If you're still unable to get the disc out of the drive after following the above steps, it may be a damaged drive and should be replaced. If the disc in the drive is an important disc and you believe the drive is bad, the drive can be disassembled in order to remove the disc. In the case of a laptop or computer with a slot load disc drive, the computer needs to be serviced in order for the drive the be replaced and the disc to be removed.