home Fix label Computers label_important Desktop PCs category Dell

My CD+RW drive tray won't open on my Dell Dimension 2400?

When I press the eject button next to the CD+RW (both a player and a burner) the tray makes a thumping sound like it's trying to open, but its stuck on something. Then its starts to read the CD that is already in there. What's wrong with it?

Josh, October 2006

home Fix label Computers label_important Desktop PCs category Delldone

Guys:
I tried the paper-clip trick and it worked. Thanks Pete for that. Pressing the actuator button button causes the drawer to close again but after that only the paper-clip will open it again. How long can I get away with doing this? Is the mechanism repairable?
Regards,
Richard Morton.

Richard Morton, December 2007

it's a software problem with Roxio. Use the eject tab in Roxio to solve your problem

Richard McLernan, November 2007

I tried the paper clip hole & it worked on mine. I still had to open it with my fingers tho & inside the tray I found a small rubber washer. I guess that means it is broke. Can I replace the washer myself?

Terri, June 2007

I tried using the straight pin, but the the same thing happened as if I pushed the eject button, except something pushed back on the pin as it tried to open.

(Referring to Peter's answer)

Josh, November 2006

There is a little hole in the front of the unit - stick a straightened paper clip in the hole and the drawer will open.

If the drawer won't close again elecronically, replace the unit - it's goosed!

Peter, October 2006

How would I reset the gears?

(Refering to Mike's answer)

Josh, October 2006

The gears are jammed. You're going to have to take the drive apart and reset them if there is no other solution.

Mike, October 2006

link Click here to see other fixes for Dell.