DVD won't read DVD; will spit it out

When I insert a DVD into the drive, it tries to read it, then spits it out. Thought that F12 key was stuck, but wasn't. I have a DVD +/-RW drive so it should work. I restarted the computer, and it worked. But next day, put in a different DVD, and it wouldn't read it. Then I tried the same disc from the day before, and that wouldn't work.
Help please.

First, welcome to the discussions.
I had this issue many moons ago, I found that following some of the recommended steps here fixed the problem.
Most note worthy, Repair Permissions, run Macjanitor, Cache Out X, and Onyx once a week need to or not. This will keep all of the clutter out from burning CD's and DVD's.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=607640&#607640
Cheers Don

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My Mac won't read discs. Spits them out within seconds.

Why would it just stop working? We hardly ever use it. It won't even take the Mac discs. Help!!

Ok, I have already done all of these steps and nothing has helped! Here's my related problem, any suggestions?
My iMac won't even burn a single disc! Everytime I insert a blank disc it spits it out telling me it's not blank and won't burn onto it. I know the CDs are blank. I tried 10 from a brand new stack! I finally sent the playlist to my husband's PC (he has iTunes loaded) and he burned the CD fine using the same blank discs that my iMac kept spitting out.
Today I tried to play a music CD. It spit it out in seconds of me putting it in. I can play it on my DVD player, my husband's computer, my entertainment center, my car CD player but not my iMac No explanation, just wouldn't accept the CD.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON BUT IT'S VERY IRRITATING!!!
On top of all of this, when I upgraded my Apple Operating System the ChromCast program I was successfully using before stopped working giving me a Green Screen of Death.
APPLE!! ***!!!
Could really use some guildance here...starting to really give up on Apple...way too many problems with too many different items and no solution when my husband's PC is doing just fine!

DVD will not POP OUT ?

Hi guys has anyone had this problem where there DVD will not pop out but you can hear it trying ?
B540 i5
Solved!
Go to Solution.

hi Buckie,
I've seen some issues like these on laptops but not recently on the IdeaCentre B540 (your issue might be similar to this thread though).
Can you try to:
1. Press WinKey+E to open Windows Explorer. On the left pane, check if you can see the CD/DVD drive then do a right click > eject to open the CD/DVD tray.
2. If same problem, use a paperclip to force eject the DVD tray
Spoiler (Highlight to read)
Credits to this website for the picture.
Credits to this website for the picture.
3. Open Device Manager (press Winkey+R > type devmgmt.msc) and verify that the CD/DVD drive have no errors (exclamation or question mark right next to it). If this is ok, verify that you see the CD/DVD drive when you open Windows Explorer (see Step 1). If it's not visible, apply this microsoft fix.
Hope this helps
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DVD burning - spits it out upon verification

I have a Intel based Imac 2Ghz Intel Core Duo w/ 2 gigs ram running a fresh install of 10.5.8
When I try to burn a cd it spits it out when it gets to the verification process. Is there any way I can verify it after this fact?

trashing the file com.apple.finder.plist located in user/library/preferences - worked!

Macbook pro dvd drive spits out fresh blank dvd

I have a macbook pro with Lion installed
I am trying to write a DVD, but everytime i put a blank DVD it spits it out after 15 seconds or so, doesn't even recognizes as a blank dvd.
This is the details of my dvd drive
MATSHITA DVD-R   UJ-868:
Firmware Revision:          KB19
Interconnect:          ATAPI
Burn Support:          Yes (Apple Shipping Drive)
Cache:          2048 KB
Reads DVD:          Yes
CD-Write:          -R, -RW
DVD-Write:          -R, -R DL, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW
Write Strategies:          CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
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A fine lense cloth (for cleaning eye glasses) wrapped around a flat piece of credit card shaped plastic gently inserted and brushed once to the left side seemed to capture plenty of dust from my late 2008 MacBook Pro's Superdrive. Now DVDs work again and stay in the drive.
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best.

G5 drive will read and burn DVD's, won't read or burn CD's

I have a two year old G5 mac that suddenly won't read or burn CD's but the DVD burner/read is working fine. It just spits out CD's. The drive is a Sony DVD RW-DW U12A; revision AADB.
I just got ilife 08 (worked fine on DVD) but have a CD of iwork 08 that I can't use! Help!!

Based on past user reports/problems with the Sony drive, when problems such as yours occur, it's time for a new drive. DVD and CD are separate lens', so one can fail while the other continues to function. The Sony drive has been prone to problems, and early failures (based on posts in these forums, and others).
You may attempt cleaning, as it is possible that the CD lens is blocked by dust, or dirty. But, when commercial discs/install discs can't be read, it doesn't bode well for the drive.
Comparing the cost of a quality cleaning kit, and the cost of a new 18x Pioneer DVR-112 ($30), you may just opt for the Pioneer.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129007
Review of DVR-112:
http://www.cdfreaks.com/reviews/Pioneer-DVR-112-DVD-Burner-Review
If you opt for the Pioneer, the drive has native support in Tiger, though it needs Patchburn for iApp's support (all drives, other than Apple OEM, require such):
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20" iMac will read/play dvds but spits out cds and games

I have a 20" intel iMac 2.0GHz (old model) with isight, 1gb ram, 160gb hd, and a superdrive of course. It has been an awesome machine until just tonight I was going to import a cd into itunes and the you can hear the drive spinning the disc 4 or 5 times like it wants to read it and then it just spits it out. This also happens with the Sims 2 on the Windows partition under Boot Camp. I have never had this problem before until now and I AM HOPING AND PRAYING I DON'T HAVE TO SEND TO APPLE FOR WORK. I have had this machine under a year so it is still under warranty. I should also mention that I have tried - 1. resetting the PRAM, 2. rebooting in Safe Mode, and 3. verifying and repairing disk permissions - all to no avail. Please please please help anyone. Thanks!!

Richard:
I've been using an OWC Mercury DVD/CD external burner. It's actually a Pioneer unit in their case. It costs $99.00 and has FW/USB2.0 capability.
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/optical-drives/
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Won't read DVD movies but will read CDs and Data DVDs

Subject says it all. The iBook will read CDs and data DVDs just fine. When a movie DVD is inserted the DVD player will start up just fine but when the play button is pressed a message comes up saying the the disc is not supported. If it's a software problem where can i find the drivers to fix it.

Could it be the Region Codes for playing DVDs have all been used
in that machine, and so the remaining code(s) do not match the
discs you have been trying to play within it?
Or does this problem also occur when attempting to play non-region
non-commercial DVD movie discs in the computer?
If the DVD Player has run out of region codes, there is a way to
hack or change the defaults; but the one I've read about does
require the DVD player firmware to be changed for it to work.
The one I've read about (but have not tried) is named Region X.
There are limitations and details, so even after messing around
it may not work; if that is the problem in the first place.
One of these only works if you play a DVD from a "region-free"
DVD drive; so this may be an external drive, not inside the Mac.
So, if the hardware has a defect, that's one thing. If the drive
has seen too many region player changes, that's another. If
the lens is semi-dirty, it may not read or record some media.
All of these kinds of things have been noted by people online.
Sometimes a search may yield some fringe findings by folks
who've unusual issues with their equipment, if not mainstream.
Perhaps some software such as Region X for Mac may help,
if not, there may be other options if the player isn't defective.
Region X for Mac:
http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/13801
Good luck & happy computing!

Macbook Pro won't read SOME commercial DVD's

I found some people with similar issues, but no one with my exact problem, so I thought I would post it here.
I have a MacBook Pro that I got in November of 2007. Recently I noticed my drive stopped playing certain discs. I did some test and determined that it will play/write pretty much anything you throw at it except for some commercial DVD's. I actually brought it to the apple store and foolisly grabbed some dvd's at random, assuming that NONE would work. The one's I brought mounted just fine. Since I couldn't replicate the issue, I couldn't get much help. He said to try logging into a different user, I guess to determine if there was an issue with my Library. I tried that, it does the same thing regardless of the user.
Basically, some discs spin, and spin like the computer is struggling to read it, then it spits it out. Young Frankenstein and X-Men: The Last Stand, work fine. Children of Men doesn't (it used to work just fine).
I initially noticed the issue when trying to install the digital copies that came with my Back to the Future Trilogy boxed set. Back to the Future's digital copy disc mounts fine. The discs for Part II and Part III don't.
I doubt the drive is busted since so many discs work fine and it isn't ALL commercial discs that won't mount. Only some. My theory is that it's software related. Maybe something with reading certain encoding.
This is the second time I had this problem. The first time I read that verifying and repairing disc permissions would fix it, and it did....but now that doesn't do the trick.
It is consistent though. The same discs either work or don't work EVERY time. I thought maybe the lens needs cleaning. I read conflicting things about using lens cleaning discs in slot load drives so that's a last resort. But I imagine it wouldn't be so consistent if it was a dirty lens. Also, other players I've had with dirty lenses just skipped or had a disc read error of some sort. I don't get any errors. I also ran the Hardware Test on my OSX Install disc, which found no errors/issues. I wonder if it would have detected my drive as an error if it indeed was a hardware issue? Makes sense to me, but I'm not sure what the Hardware Test tests exactly, if the drive is included in that.
Any suggestions? I saw a thread from 2006 where someone suggested that deleting (Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist) helped him, but I am really hesitant to delete an item from my Library. That just seems like asking for trouble and I'm not sure what my finder preferences have to do with my DVD's not mounting. Next I will probably try resetting my SMC. I'm not sure how that could help either, but it's a suggestions I've seen floating about and it's easy enough to do.
Here are some of my specs:
Macbook Pro, Intel Core2 Duo, 2.4 ghz
4gb Ram
Boot ROM Version:    MBP31.0070.B07
SMC Version (system):    1.16f11
MATSHITA DVD-R   UJ-857E:
Firmware Revision:    ZA0E
Interconnect:    ATAPI
Burn Support:    Yes (Apple Shipping Drive)
Cache:    2048 KB
Reads DVD:    Yes
CD-Write:    -R, -RW
DVD-Write:    -R, -R DL, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW
Write Strategies:    CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Media:    To show the available burn speeds, insert a disc and choose View > Refresh
Thanks. Sorry for the long and overly thurough post, but I thoguht that might help get me better help. Any input is greatly appreciated as it may save me the hour long trip back to the apple store.

I'm also having the same exact issues with some commercial DVDs and music CDs. It continues to read DVD-RWs but around two days ago it stopped reading commercially bought discs.
I've tested with brand new DVDs today (out of shrink wrap in pristine condition) all of which have the same region and have been tested on a DVD player, PS3, and another laptop without any glitches but only some of them played on my Macbook and the others would either spin for a bit and then ejected or it would read them as blank discs where the 'You inserted a blank DVD' message comes up.
I also tried testing older DVDs that used to play fine on my Macbook but only some of them mounted.
I then tried the following cleaning methods:
- Laser Lens Cleaner
- Compressed air
- Credit card with iPhone cleaning cloth
All of which failed to fix the problem so it's safe to assume this isn't a dust issue, the driver have also been very lightly used as I have only watched a handful of DVDs on it and written less than 10 DVD-RWs since I first purchased it in 2009.
My warranty has expired and replacing the drive would cost over $250 which I currently can't afford, therefore I plan to buy a cheaper external DVD burner but that is only a temporary workaround and I still hope for a solution other than replacing the driver.
Here's my info:
MacBook, Intel Core 2 Duo, 2 GHz
2 GB RAM
Boot ROM Version:    MB52.0088.B05
SMC Version (system):    1.38f5
MATSHITA DVD-R   UJ867A:
Firmware Revision:    KK08
Interconnect:    ATAPI
Burn Support:    Yes (Apple Shipping Drive)
Cache:    2048 KB
Reads DVD:    Yes
CD-Write:    -R, -RW
DVD-Write:    -R, -R DL, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW
Write Strategies:    CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Media:    Insert media and refresh to show available burn speeds

Superdrive won't read DVDs since I installed Lion

Long story short - My hard drive died a few weeks ago. Everything was backed up on a Time Capsule. After installing a new hard drive, I went through and install each OSX I have had before transferring over my data and applications. I have a Macbook Pro Mid 2009 (came with Leopard). So, I went through, updated to Snow Leopard then Lion, then transferred over my data.
1. I bought a game recently. All the specs fit for my computer. Put it in my SuperDrive and it would neither mount nor be recognized by the computer. My computer said it was a blank disc and spit it out after spinning it around for 5 minutes. I tested the game disc on another computer (my brother's Windows one) and it worked fine.
2. After transferring my data over, my Adobe CS3 was having problems opening. I recieved a few messages about problems with the licenses and figured I would have to uninstall everything and reinstall everything. (Tried the license repair tool from Adobe too, couldn't get it to work). So I uninstalled everything I had from Adobe (using Adobe's uninstaller). I inserted the disc to be reinstalled and had the same problems. The disc kept spinning, wouldnt mount, and my computer said the disc was blank.
I have tested burned discs and film DVDs. All of them seem to work. I am just having issues with installation DVDs it seems. I have also tried mounting them in Toast Titanium and I can't get that to work either.
I took my computer to the Apple store, they said they could replace the drive or do testing on it for 5 days. I can't really afford to be with my computer for that extended amount of time right now nor do I want to drop $100 when this could be a software or firmware issue. My questions are:
1. Will upgrading to Mountain Lion fix or make this issue worse?
2. Are there any diagnostic tools I can run besides the AHT to find out if my drive is going to ****?
3. Are there any software related things I can do to get my discs installed? (IE Installation over a network, using ISOs ->which I tried with the game, couldnt get that to work).
Thank you!

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of this exercise is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login. Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:
Be sure your Mac is shut down.
Press the power button.
Immediately after you hear the startup tone, hold the Shift key. The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone, but not before the tone.
Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple icon and the progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).
Note: If FileVault is enabled under Mac OS X 10.7 or later, you can’t boot in safe mode.
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem(s)?
After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

Eearly 2006 iMac Won't Read DVDs or CDs

It seems suddenly my drive won't read DVDs or CDs. These are both blank or store bought. Everything I load one, it spins, tries to read and then just spits it out. I tried the preferences turn to "ignore" and that didn't work.
Anyone know why my drive suddenly is being picky?
So frustrating...thanks in advance!

Hi Gully
Just for the record what brand(s) are you using? I ask because even if they are the same brand you always use, it could be because there from a new of different batch.
Two things you can try on the iMac are resetting the SMC and PRAM and see if that helps!
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1543
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
I burn quite a few Photo & Music CD's using both Maxell and Fujifilm CD-R's, in the five packs they have always come thru. I don't burn a lot to DVD's, but I've never found a bad Memorex DVD-R in a five pack. I know lot's of folks will swear against Memorex, but in the last 2½ years I've never found a one that the SuperDrive in my Early Core Duo would not burn. Lastly I know it cost more to buy media in the five packs instead of 25 or 50+, but I've always done that just in-case they don't work.
Dennis

New i5 MacBook Pro won't read or play certain DVD's

Just got a new i5 MBP and it won't read certain DVD's that I put in. It tries to read them but then spits them back out after a few seconds. Any thoughts?

If you talking about movies, It might be a simple case of region. The first time you insert a DVD movie your mac asks for your region and you can only play DVD movies from the region you selected. If i'm not mistaken, VLC might not have these restriction and will play any region formated DVD movies.
You have the ability to change the region that you've selected but be careful cause you can only change it an x amount of times.
If you talking about regular burned DVD than it might simply be a problem with the disk itself. You should test them out on another machine to determine if your MBP has an issue with its super drive.
Hope this helps.

DVD drive won't read disks at boot

I have a Paviliton DV6-2113sa running Win7 HP 64bit.
I removed Acronis True Image and when I rebooted I got a BSOD at the point when the coloured balls should merge into one.
I thought OK, put the system repair disk into the DVD drive and boot up, but the drive is failing to read any recovery dosks. I think the drive has packed up as I haven't used it for some time.
Can I use any replacement drive in this model or must I get the same one again?
The drive light flickers as though it is reading data but it doesn't 'spool up' to speed and I don't get the 'press any key to load from DVD'.
The BSODs are a seperate issue which I think running a system repair will fix but I can't as the drive won't read data.
Is it possible to put the repair disk files onto a 4gb USB stick and if so, how do I do it?
Thanks.

Hi Peeps
I had exactly the same problem with my Macbook, again from the UK. Really weird though as would intermittantly read DVD film's which worked fine previously.
Well.... Took it to my local Apple store and saw a genius and anyway they replaced the super drive and logic board (surprised about the logic board!).
But just got it back today and the DVD drive is completely fubard so is being returned tomorrow to get this sorted!
Moral of the story, sounds like a drive or board problem. Will keep you updated when I get mine back
Macbook 2Ghz, 512Mb, 60Gb, Superdrive Mac OS X (10.4.7)

CD/DVD drive won't read any CDs or DVDs

Whenever I insert a DVD, CD, or CD-ROM my computer won't read the disc. The computer starts making noise like it is reading the disc but then it stops. It tries 3 times (starts and stops) and then just spits the disc out. I can't watch movies, install software, etc. How do I fix this.

Before taking it or sending it anywhere I'd first try resetting PRAM…
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238

Pavilion DV4-2161nr CD/DVD drive won't read or burn

I recently had my Hard Drive changed in my HP and the CD/DVD drive was working fine...then about a month ago the door won't open and it stopped reading every cd/dvd i put in...it won't read blanks or movies or audio cds/dvds...I also have a yellow question marke by PCI Device...CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME?

do you have the win 7 cd handy, try to boot into the discs and see whether that works, this will tell you whether that is software or hardware problem. Such failures do occur, due to ageing of laser.
Regards,
Jin Li
May this year, be the year of 'DO'!
I am a volunteer, and not a paid staff of Lenovo or Microsoft

DVD won't read DVD; will spit it out

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