Sticky DVD drive

[Iron Xides]

My DVD drive tray keeps sticking shut. I can open it by wiggling the exterior, but I'm wondering if this is a sign that the thing is going to jam shut permanently or ruin my discs. Is this anything more than an annoyance, and can I fix it easily if it is? I have 2 drives, so I'd rather not bother with it if it's a serious issue.

[Machfive]

I've seen this happen to two Aopen drives that were about 3 or 4 years old. I think, with OEM DVD+/-RW burners costing $35 shipped, you're just better off replacing the drive than putting up with it.

[Brendan]

My AOpen drive started doing it a few months after I bought it as well. Just throw it away and get an LG or something.

[Enduro_Man]

I've been having this problem with my DVD drive for the past year. Yep, it's an AOpen. The only stopgap solution that works for me is to keep a disc in the drive at all times. If I happen to close the drive while it's empty, chances are I won't get it open again until I poke the release hole with a paper clip.

Immediately above this drive, my older ASUS CD-ROM has a slightly different problem. It has no problem opening, but it shuts at the slightest provocation. A light tap on the tray will have me scrambling to get the CD properly seated, and my fingers out of the way.