How to Eject a CD Stuck in a Computer?

Use your computer's eject function or a paper clip to remove a stuck CD from the CD-ROM drive.

The CD-ROM drive in your computer is an important component that lets you load applications and files as well as play music and multimedia discs. When a CD is stuck in the drive, you don't want to force the disc out of the drive or use a sharp tool or object to open the device's disc tray and move the tray along its railings. Doing so will damage the CD-ROM drive. The key is to be patient and use the CD-ROM's built-in ejection mechanism to get the CD out the drive.

Things You'll Need

• Paper clip
• Flashlight

Instructions

Ejecting Within Windows & Mac

1. Close any open programs and files.

2. Click "Start," "My Computer," if using Windows.

3. Right-click on the CD-ROM icon. Select "Eject," if using Windows.

   If using a Mac, press the "F12" function key on your Mac's keyboard or the "Eject" key.

4. Press the eject button on the front of your CD-ROM drive immediately, if using Windows.

5. Remove the CD from the tray.

   If the CD-ROM tray doesn't open, proceed to the "Ejecting Manually--Windows & Mac" section.

Ejecting Manually--Windows & Mac

1. Click "Start," "Turn Off Computer," "Restart," to restart your computer. If using Windows Vista or 7, click on the right arrow next to "Shut down" to select "Restart."

   If using a Mac, click on the Apple symbol in the upper-left corner of the screen and select "Restart." Press and hold your mouse button down while your computer is restarting.

2. Press the eject button on the front of your CD-ROM drive once you see your computer's logo on the main splash screen, if using Windows.

3. Remove the CD from the tray.

   If the CD-ROM tray doesn't open, proceed to the "Ejecting Using a Paper Clip--Windows & Mac" section.

Ejecting Using a Paper Clip--Windows & Mac

1. Turn off and unplug your computer. Locate a paper clip and straighten it out.

2. Look for a small hole on the faceplate of your CD-ROM drive. This hole is for manually opening the drive in the event of a problem with the drive's internal mechanisms.

3. Stick the paper clip into the hole and press the button inside of the drive firmly until the disc tray opens.

4. Remove the paper clip and pull the tray out with your hand. Remove the CD from the tray.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the stuck CD is removed, look at the disc and try to see what caused the CD to stick in the drive. Look for a label that is peeling and anything attached to the disc.

• Use a flashlight to inspect the drive to see if anything is inside. Do not reinsert the disc into the drive until you discover what caused the problem.

References

• HP: Opening A Stuck CD or DVD Drive Tray
• Apple: Troubleshooting The Slot Load Optical Disc Drive

Resources

• Directron: How to Maintain a Computer System?