Can't Insert CD Into Mac Mini

[Dave Braine]

I can't insert a CD into my late 2005 PPC Mini(which holds all my music). There is something inside the drive on the right hand side that is blocking the disc. I can only think that it's the eject mechanism which is stuck in the eject position. On turning the Mini on, there is no noise from the Superdrive.

I've googled the problem, but none of the suggested remedies(which seem to work for others) work for me. I've tried gently trying to force the disk in, drutil eject in Terminal, resetting PRAM but to no avail.

Does any one have any ideas for a solution?

 

[steve217]

My idea for a solution is that you should get a new external USB optical drive. 11 years of ejecting and loading has worn out your existing one.

 

[fischersd]

I can't insert a CD into my late 2005 PPC Mini(which holds all my music). There is something inside the drive on the right hand side that is blocking the disc. I can only think that it's the eject mechanism which is stuck in the eject position. On turning the Mini on, there is no noise from the Superdrive.

I've googled the problem, but none of the suggested remedies(which seem to work for others) work for me. I've tried gently trying to force the disk in, drutil eject in Terminal, resetting PRAM but to no avail.

Does any one have any ideas for a solution?

https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Mac_mini_(PowerPC)

Provided you're mechanically inclined - review the guides on ifixit - if you're comfortable with doing so, take it apart, remove the item wedged in the drive (maybe get some nice long tweezers or forceps before you do).

If you're not so inclined, either find a techie friend that is or your local mac repair shop. (now, spending any money on this 11 year old machine likely isn't the smartest venture).

 

[Dave Braine]

My idea for a solution is that you should get a new external USB optical drive. 11 years of ejecting and loading has worn out your existing one.

The Mini holds all my music, so the drive only gets used for importing the occasional audio CD. If there's no easy fix I'll just import the CD to my MBP and then Home Share across.

 

[gkaye]

I have a similar issue with my Mac Mini. I found that gently forcing the CD (just until there is some resistance) while simultaneously clicking on CD&DVD in Preferences will convince it to accept the disk.

 

[Dave Braine]

clicking on CD&DVD in Preferences

You mean System Preferences?

 

[gkaye]

You mean System Preferences?

Yes.