Help With Cd On Desktop

[tearinghair]

I'm sure all the regulars in this section must sigh when the see the name tearinghair in the questions section.. actually I'm quite good with the everyday stuff, but the mechanics escape me.
For the first time in I don't know how long I've inserted a CD into the appropriate slot on my desktop, intending to upload the music via that on to my MP3 player. I opened and closed the CD drawer without any difficulty, but cannot now open it again; have tried pressing and holding what I believe is the correct button, but nothing happens. I think that in the past I was advised to insert the end of a paperclip into a hole to release it - but if that's correct, which is the hole? And would this be a sensible solution anyway?
The desktop was set up by my wizard of a son, but he's in California. It's a neat little job called an Antec, and I'm happily running Windows 7.
Sorry to be asking something which to all of you must seem utterly obvious.

[davegosling]

Usual trick of switching it off and on again. Whilst it's powering up, try pressing the CD open button every second or so.

[bhg481]

Have you tried ejecting the disc using software? OPen the computer in Explorer then right-click on the CD icon and select "eject".
There's a tiny hole on the front panel of the CD player, just big enough to push a paper clip into. Push it in until you feel something give and the door should open. If that doesn't work, next time you power-up the desktop keep your hand on the door-open button on it until the drawer opens.

[fender62]

paper clip method, their is only one tiny round hole you cannot miss it

[bhg481]

Actually, fender, the hole is so small you CAN miss it.

[fender62]

not with my glasses lol

[sunny-dave]

https://i.imgflip.com/321rw.jpg

[fender62]

https://fscomps.fotosearch.com/bigcomps/AGE/AGE063/u40-1211937.jpg

[tearinghair]

Thanks for your patience, everyone. . I located the hole (you're absolutely right, it was so tiny that I had missed it earlier)and tried the paperclip; could feel something there, but it didn't open. Rebooted the computer as advised, pressing the button, and it opened at the third or fourth try. I have now rescued my new CD, but the drawer doesn't want to open again so I'll abandon the MP3 transfer plan.

[bhg481]

If your drive won't open and close after the next reboot it could be that the drive has become faulty. It's straightforward to change the drive yourself (since your son isn't available) or you can buy an external DVD drive that plugs into a USB socket fairly cheaply (less than taking you computer to a shop for repair).

[fender62]

if you want to repair it

[tearinghair]

Thanks bhg481 and fender62. I think trying to replace it myself might be a step too far (arthritic fingers). I can manage without it for the moment but will have to think about it for the future.

[fender62]

http://www.argos.co.uk/product/6268279

[bhg481]

fender's suggestion looks good. In case you're wondering, there is no problem adding these devices - just plug it in to a USB port and the computer will automatically load all the drivers it needs and the device will be ready to use. If you display your computer with Explorer you will just see the extra drive available for use.