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General discussion

iMAC CD Drive doesn't recognize CDs

by clarktwins Mar 29, 2008 11:52AM PDT

I have an iMac G3 running OS 10.3.9. It works fine, but recently I started having the familiar iMac problem of ejecting CDs. Well, the most recent time, it took me quite a while to dig the CD out. Since then, when I insert a CD, it just slides in the slot. No attempt by computer to accept the CD, no motor whirring, nothing. The only time the CD drive makes any noise is when the computer starts up. It whirs like it's accepting & reading an inserted CD. Otherwise, nothing. Thoughts?

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5 Posts
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Such drives do age.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Mar 29, 2008 12:43PM PDT

Did you try a new drive?

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Old Age
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Mar 29, 2008 1:24PM PDT

As Bob says, they do wear out.

If it is a Slot loading CD, they are plentiful on ebay and relatively easy to replace.

A little aptitude with a phillips screwdriver and you will be ready to go again

P

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New drive worth it?
by clarktwins Mar 29, 2008 1:35PM PDT

Is it worth buying a new drive? Or is upgrading the entire computer the better way to go?

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A dysfunctional laptop is usually worthless.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Mar 29, 2008 10:38PM PDT

You'll get top dollar for a working laptop and half that to less if it has issues. The 10 to 99 bucks it costs to fix is worth it.
Bob

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If you are currently considering a new iMac
by mrmacfixit Forum moderator Mar 29, 2008 11:03PM PDT

then, of course, the better way to go would be to just replace this older one.

You would then have new everything, including the OS, and everything would be up to date.

That said, the iMac G3 is still functional and would make a decent second, or even first, machine for someone. I can tell you that iMac G3's can be had on ebay at prices ranging from $19 to $150.

I would be tempted to buy the new one, repair the old one, and have two machines available at the house.

As Bob says, prices of machines with problems are not very high at all.

Good Luck

P

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