Computers: How to Manually Eject an Optical Disc

Normal Method to Eject a Disc:

Most Windows computers have an eject button on or beside the tray/slot for the optical disc. Apple computers (Macs) use a keyboard button above the Delete  key, in the Function keys row. Both Windows and Mac operating system have eject commands inside Finder and Explorer. If these fail, see below to eject a disc manually.

Manually Ejecting Discs from Windows PCs:

• For disc drives that load the disc onto a tray, there is usually a pin-sized hole beside the eject button. A small paperclip can be straightened, inserted into this hole, then pushed into the hole to force the tray open. Carefully insert the clip straight into the unit and feel for resistance; when pressed forcefully you should feel it depressing the release and/or gear to eject the drawer holding the disc.
• For slot-inserted discs, look for the pin-sized hole. If none is present then a technician will have to troubleshoot the issue and potentially disassemble the drive to retrieve the disc.

• With the Mac turned off,  hold down the Eject button and turn on the power. Continue holding the Eject button down until the disc ejects or the OS fully boots. If the disc did not eject before the OS loaded then connect a different Apple keyboard (if available) and try again to eject the disc during boot.
• Since most macs are slot-loading and do not have manual ejection pins, a technician will need to troubleshoot the issue and potentially disassemble the drive to retrieve the disc.