How to open CD drawer when machine won't boot?

Question

I am having the Firmware default catch error and need to boot from CD, but I cannot get the CD drawer open!
Eject button on keyboard is inop since system won't boot.
Inserting paper clip in hole under CD drawer does nothing.
Help!

Answer 1

If the Mac were normally left unplugged from power, and hence draining the PRAM battery, it could certainly be bad by now. But any Mac that's been on for a year or so isn't likely to be unplugged much! My 700 MHz eMac is still on the original battery (and plugged at all times into an APC BackUPS). Still, the battery could be physically bad. If you have a voltmeter handy, you can check if it's within say 0.1v of the nominal 3.6v while under load (still in the battery holder). You can find the replacement 3.6v lithium 1/2 AA battery online (e.g., cyberguys.com) for around US$11 after shipping/handling (in-stock at Radio Shack, the same battery is currently going for $20 before tax).
If there are indications that the eMac is running hot (like the monitor colors going funny), check the air intakes on the bottom of the front of the eMac and make sure they're clear of papers, cat hairs, and the like. If the rear vents look dusty, you can either disassemble the rear cover to wipe the vents and fan blades clear, or just use the quick solution of using canned air to blast the rear vents at about a 135 degree angle pointed away from the eMac, with the eMc on so that there's airflow pressure out of the chassis (to prevent dust from being blown back into the eMac's circuitry).