How to open a stuck CD or DVD Drive Tray of your computer

Speed Up My PC

It may happen at times, esp if your computer is old, that your CD or DVD tray just will not open even if you click on its Eject or Open button.

Well, here are a few things you can try!

1. Restart your Windows PC and see if it helps. You may also try clicking on the Eject button while the computer is booting and see if it works.

2. Check if any locking software exists on your computer which prohibits the tray being opened.

3. Ensure that all your power cables are not loose and are properly connected.

2. Open Computer folder and right-click the icon for the CD or DVD drive that is stuck, and then click Eject.

3. Look for a small hole below the Drive Tray. This is the Manual Tray Release. Take a pin or a straightened-out paper click and insert and push it in the hole. At the same time you may have to continue to press the tray’s Open or Eject button.

4. Check out Tray Control. It is a simple utility to Open or Close the Tray for Optical Drives.

tray exe How to open a stuck CD or DVD Drive Tray of your computer

This is quite a handy utility to have, if your tray gets stuck frequently due to some reason.

5. If things still don’t work out I guess you will have to open the machine’s side-panels and open the tray manually either yourself or with the help of a technician.

Know of any more tricks? Please do share below in the Comments!

Posted by on , in Category Windows with Tags ,
Anand aka HappyAndyK is an end-user Windows enthusiast, a Microsoft MVP in Windows Desktop Experience since 2007, and the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, TheGeeksClub.com & WinVistaClub.com. Creating a System Restore Point before trying out a new software or a tweak is always recommended.

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  • http://www.webtrickz.com Mayur

    There are 2-3 typo in the post.

  • http://www.thewindowsclub.com/ Windows Club

    ^ Thanks :)

  • CyberWolf
  • Ian

    Whats wrong with a straightened paper clip, inserted into the little hole on the drive.

    Works for me every time..

  • http://www.thewindowsclub.com/ Windows Club

    ^ That option too has already been mentioned, Ian.

  • TheBigOldDog

    Sometimes the drive arm will hang down too far and catch the opening in the tray and keep it from opening. In these cases, use the paper clip to unlock the tray and gently pry the tray open from the edges. From then on, keep a CD or DVD in the tray and it will open and close normally by preventing the arm from hanging too low and getting caught.

    You can then decide to:
    1) Live with it
    2) Repair the drive yourself (Google will help you find instructions)
    3) Spend the $25 or so to replace the drive

  • itguycole

    I have come across this a few times and have found that a light tap would open the drive for me.