CD/DVD Drive is Dead - Unable to feed, Unable to Eject

I believe the symptoms started when I was trying to feed a Costco photo CD or DVD into the iMac, and it would just keep ejecting it out.
When I try to insert something now, there's no noise, no grabbing of the disc, and no inserting. It's like hitting a wall once it's inserted about half way.
I am pretty sure there's nothing in the iMac CD/DVD drive right now... but either way, when I hold the Eject button on start up, or when I hold the left click on startup, nothing happens.
It the motor or the drive dead? How do I diagnose the problem?
Appreciate the help!

1) No. Since it won't work in OS 9, either, it is most likely a hardware issue. Apple says to use a straightened paperclip to open the drive manually. I'm not sure that "something sharp" wouldn't damage the drive mechanism, since a straightened paperclip is not sharp.
2) It's probably going to take a new (or used) drive. You can find one at PowerBook Tech. They also have instructions for replacing it, but it's not an easy thing to do. (You could also maybe find one on eBay.)
Another set of instructions for replacing the optical drive can be found at iFixit. iFixit also has the drive available for purchase, but it's more expensive there.
If you don't want the Combo drive, a CD-ROM or DVD drive can probably be had for less money. eBay may have some really good buys from people parting out their iBooks. Look for somebody with a good feedback profile.
Good luck.

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    1) No. Since it won't work in OS 9, either, it is most likely a hardware issue. Apple says to use a straightened paperclip to open the drive manually. I'm not sure that "something sharp" wouldn't damage the drive mechanism, since a straightened paperclip is not sharp.
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    If you don't want the Combo drive, a CD-ROM or DVD drive can probably be had for less money. eBay may have some really good buys from people parting out their iBooks. Look for somebody with a good feedback profile.
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