IMAC won't read CDs or DVDs

Hello,
I just got my iMAC setup and established today. Everything went fairly smoothly until I tried to insert and play a DVD with the side-mounted DVD drive. The drive physically took the DVD, but it always just cranks there for several seconds and then spits the disk right back out. This happens with regular data and music CDs as well. What am I missing?
Thanks.

Thanks everybody
I too have suddenly developed this failure to burn. Worked well last week, now doesn't even get to the multiplexing stage, just ejects the blank disk. Ejects original Leopard disk, won't write to CD with Toast 8. Couldn't even check the hardware diagnostic as it just spits the disk out.
Tried Unix single usere mode Command S to type in fsck -y after the prompt localhost# (p840 - The Missing Manual series Leopard) but never got to this prompt. Upgraded to lastest iMovie and iDVD
Tried your FINDER- PREFERENCES - TICKED THEM BUT THEY DON'T SHOW UP IN THE SIDEBAR. . Starting to look ominous. Here I am in the middle of the South Pacific with no Mac repair shop within 3000 km.
OR any other suggestions - may be "life saving" or this iMac is going on a long flight soon or could you send your father-in law.

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Thanks everybody
I too have suddenly developed this failure to burn. Worked well last week, now doesn't even get to the multiplexing stage, just ejects the blank disk. Ejects original Leopard disk, won't write to CD with Toast 8. Couldn't even check the hardware diagnostic as it just spits the disk out.
Tried Unix single usere mode Command S to type in fsck -y after the prompt localhost# (p840 - The Missing Manual series Leopard) but never got to this prompt. Upgraded to lastest iMovie and iDVD
Tried your FINDER- PREFERENCES - TICKED THEM BUT THEY DON'T SHOW UP IN THE SIDEBAR. . Starting to look ominous. Here I am in the middle of the South Pacific with no Mac repair shop within 3000 km.
OR any other suggestions - may be "life saving" or this iMac is going on a long flight soon or could you send your father-in law.

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Hello KaitoKid. I understand your notebook is unable to read discs.
Take a look at the suggestions offered in this document.
Let me know if this helps. I hope you have a great day!
Please click the white star under my name to give me Kudos as a way to say "Thanks!"
Click the "Accept as Solution" button if I resolve your issue.

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rafterdog wrote:
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Hi Joey
Reset the iMac's SMC > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1543
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The early white Intel iMac models had 17, 20 and 24" display sizes and the aluminum Intel iMac models only come in 20 and 24" display sizes?
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****Click the White thumb to say thanks****
****Please mark Accept As Solution if it solves your problem****
****I don't work for HP****
Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience

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http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1543
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
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IMAC won't read CDs or DVDs

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