CD or DVD Drive Drawer Won't Open - How to Fix

See links to various belt dressing/belt conditioner products at the end of the description.

I discovered this procedure, on my own, about 12 years ago after my LiteOn HDD DVR disc drawer failed to open. Today, I had another DVD drive that would not open, so I decided to produce a video of the simple fix.

After a few months to about 1 year, CD or DVD drive drawers typically begin to open only some of the time, but the problem worsens over time. The only way to open the closed drawer is with an opened paper clip. Using a paper clip to open the drawer is frustrating.

Typically, out of frustration, drives are discarded and replaced when the drawer stops opening. When my LiteOn DVR disc drawer failed to open, there was no hole to insert a paper clip, so I had to replace or repair the DVD drive because I wanted to keep the DVR. I tried a different DVD drive, and discovered that some DVDs could not be read properly, because the DVR's firmware required a specific drive to be used.

I needed to fix the original DVD drive. After examining the drive, I realized the cause of the failure is that the belt is slipping.

I knew that when belt dressing/belt conditioner dried, it left a sticky residue, so I applied belt dressing /belt conditioner to the belt in my DVR's DVD drive, and the drawer still opens 12 years later. Belt dressing/belt conditioner can be purchased from auto parts stores under various manufacturers.

Here are links to some different brands of belt dressing/belt conditioner you can use:
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, with no cost to you.)

If the drawer still won't open, investigate the drive analytically.
Confirm the power and signal cables are providing power and signal to the drive. If the drive light doesn't come on when the drawer button is pressed or does not come on when the computer boots up, swap the cables with another accessory in the computer that is confirmed to be working properly.
If the drive is being powered and signaled properly, try to open the drawer as I show in this video, and is demonstrated in other online videos.
If the drawer still won't open when pressing the button on the drive, but the light on the drive lights up, you will need to remove the drive from the computer. Then remove the cover from the drive. Reconnect the cables and observe what happens when the computer boots up and when you press the button. You should be able to determine what is working by what is, and what is not, moving.
If nothing moves at all (no noises or motion) and the power and signal cables are working, there may be an electrical issue (transformer?) with the drive, meaning the drive may have expired and need to be replaced.

[tmontecarlo]

The description contains links to some different brands of belt dressing/belt conditioner you can use.
The description also includes steps you can take to determine why the drawer won't open even after treating the belt.

[studionomad]

Pretty surprised you're still helping people in the comments section almost 4 years later.. Much respect

[robertgiuffre]

This reminds me of a similar situation I fixed around 1988. My friend called me up, very upset. His rented VHS tape was stuck in the VHS tape player and it wouldn't eject. He needed to return the VHS tape to avoid late fees. I disassembled the VHS player, manually ejected the tape, then treated all of the belts with belt conditioner. Worked for a few years, then the VHS player died completely. So there you go. Thanks for the tutorial. Ignore the negative comments.

[therolercoasterrider]

first step: turn off computer me: * Switch off laptop* *video stops* WHAT HOW THE FU-

[alstar]

I open BOTH of my drives using this technique. I was about to buy an external USB drive and go back and forth between both computers instead of replacing 2 drives. But with a $5 can of belt conditioner I'm golden. Thank you

[blackpinkbts]

A billion thanks with the help of this video I take out my mom dad's wedding CD from my hard disk I'm really happy you are a lifesaver thank you once again

[grandmemer]

I was fixing this problem with a hit on the top of the computer, where the CD reader was located. Now, this method worked in the past, but now, it doesn't. And this video was very helpful, thank you.

[heresjohnny]

Million thanks!!! Worked like a charm.

[judymcfarland]

Wow! Just found your video. I'm Going to try this. I get so tired of feeling like everything is breaking down. Thanks so much.

[brewzdude]

Thanks for the video, I didn't have any belt dressing so I used rubbing alcohol and that worked too (once it dried). we'll see how long it works but it sure beats buying a new drive

[GEOFFREYBROWN-gv]

used the shoe polish instead, WOW WOW WOW cant believe something so simple could fix my dvd drive, gold star for you and eternal thanks

[Mtthw]

I followed your steps and It worked!
thank you so much!
Now I can play CD

[forevernsomemore]

im ending the school year so i had to give my teacher my books and a dvd (for the next class to use) and i was so upset that i couldn't find it, but i remembered that i used it on my old computer (doesn't work & i can't turn it on) and this helped me THANK YOU SO MUCH SAVED MY LIFE😁

[rahh]

THANK YOUU SOOO MUCHHH! I had an important dvd stuck in there too, got it out thanks to youu 😁

[kirkm]

I did not know about that release pinhole. What a lifesaver. I was prying on the edge while pushing the eject button. Super thanks uploader.

[ellao]

What else could you use if you don't have belt dressing?

[Otemaonen]

This problem is incredibly annoying!! Glad I stumbled upon this video!!! Thank you very much!

[virathiyam]

Well done.. liked & supported.. btw what other common alternatives do you recommend if belt dressing liquid is not available? Thank you.

[CrazY_KiLLeRgaming]

I really appreciate it u still helping everyone even after 4 years great bro get long life love u

[thpersonhelper]

Very good method sir, but my dvd/CD ROM is still not opening I tried paper pin method several times !! If I click the eject button the light does blimp but still can't open the drive😢😢