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CD Stuck in Laptop? 3 Ways to Open the Drive
Force eject the CD or head to the BIOS!
4 min. read
Updated onDecember 4, 2023
updated onDecember 4, 2023
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Key notes
Throughout the past few years, CDs have lost their popularity. And the reduced usage of the drive led to multiple issues. A common problem many users face is when the CD is stuck in the laptop.
This could happen to anyone and is usually seen when the CD drive is not used often. In some cases, theCD drive was not opening, while for a few, the tray opened but was empty. This indicates that the CD is stuck inside the body. Let’s find out how you can fix things in both cases!
What can I do if the CD gets stuck in the laptop?
Before we move to the slightly complex solution, here are a few quick things to try:
If none work, head to the solutions listed next.
1. Try ejecting from Windows
If you’re unable to eject your CD ROM by pressing the physical button, you can do the same thing by Windows to eject a CD automatically. This should be the primary approach when the CD is lost inside the computer.
2. Try to eject on reboot
Some manufacturers even have an eject function in the BIOS. So if your laptop is one of these devices, there’s a chance that CD ROM will even automatically eject on the next start-up.
That way, no program will be able to prevent your CD ROM from working and will help you in removing a stuck CD from the laptop.
3. Check for Driver updates
If you have an older laptop and, therefore, an older CD drive, there’s a chance that your hardware isn’t compatible with the installed version of the OS and needs a driver update. The only way to check this is to actuallyupdate the driverfor your CD ROM.
If all your drivers are up to date, and no program blocks your CD from being ejected, then the problem is not in Windows but in the hardware.
If nothing works or you have to use a wire to remove a CD every time, it’s a sign that the drive is damaged, or there’s aCDrom.sys error, resulting in the CD getting stuck on the laptop.
So, you should consider changing it. Contact your nearest service and consult them about getting a new CD tray for your laptop.
Be aware that laptops are not as easy to replace as drives from regular PCs. So, unless you know what you’re doing, asking a professional for help is highly advisable.
And since most laptops now come without a built-in one, check our curated guide listing thebest-rated external CD drivesand get one today!
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, let us know in the comments below.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
