Odd computer DVD CD drive problem

Yes, maybe not a tractor, but it's tractor related - sort of. I've been working on putting together a small tractor and engine history/data book and I've been scanning hundreds of images and documents from various early 1900s sources and converting to digitial. My computer has two CD/DVD burners that I'm using for data storage. Too much to leave on my hard drives.
Just a few days ago, pretty much all of a sudden, neither drive will open until I force it. Takes a lot of jerking around, pushing the open button while sticking a jack-knife into it and prying. Keep in mind that both drives developed this problem at the same time. Also, even if I use the little bypass hole for opening - by sticking a pin into it - they still don't open. They make the noise like they're trying, and the open-light comes on, but - they don't until I pry. This is pretty weird, and I can't conceive of two drives getting a problem simultaneously. Computer hasn't been dropped, i.e. the case isn't bent or damaged. And, once I get either one open, stick a blank DVD into it to burn, it works fine, and then opens fine to eject when done.
I'm not new to computers (built many over the years) and also a pretty good electrician and mechanic. But, without really digging into this, it has me stumped. I can't imagine what could cause this. Seems it has to be either mechanical, or low power from the power supply. But, if it was low power, seems they wouldn't burn and read properly. I assume the laser uses more power than the opening mode.
Anybody ever encountered such a problem? I know I never have, not since CD drives were first invented, even the early ones that required CD caddies.

Two pieces to the reality. One is (as you have indicated) a possible power issue. I would open the case, and disconnect the smaller of the two cables plugged into the drives (bothe the supply end, and where they attach to the drives. This is usually a ribon cable with fat wires and connects to many components. It is not a data cable. Removing and reinserting these might repair the issue.
A second note is to buy a backup external HDD. Segate is seling one for 75$ with 500GB of space. (Sams Club) I believe in the backup process in this case it is very valuable. JimN

John,

I've had several do that,just don't close
it empty ,always leave a disk in it .Eventually
it will die completely.

Have you had any trouble with the weight
retainer rings from spaco. Last two I put in
tore, one after it set for 3 days installed,
and one as I put it on the rivots.

george

I haven't had trouble with the plastic rings - but . . . that's because I don't use them. I won't put a plastic ring back into any of the DB, JDB, DB2 pumps etc. I update them all to the later EID weight retainer.

Now that I think of it, you might be on to something. It might be that Y splitter cable I think is in there for the power feed. But - isn't the overide hole used for opening these drives when they're out and there is NO power? I forget for sure, but I thought that little pin hole is for manual opening? Maybe I'm wrong. If that over-ride hole is not manual, that this does lead to a possible low power problem.

I have two of those 500 gig backup drives. I still feel safer also having this stuff on DVD disks. Also makes it portable. And yeah, I know that burned disks also can go bad. In fact, it can all go bad, optical or magnetic - even paper (fire, water). Thus the desire to have many backups.

Hello jdemaris,
Funny you have the same problem I have in my shop computer.
The pin hole is for manual releasing , once the pin gets it far enough out you manually open the drive you can pull the tray out. Is it possible that the unit is stuck with the power on to close it? Once the pin releases it you should be able to pull it out.
the one i have does it one time and then works fine. DVD burners are real cheap nowdays. But if you are like me you don't want to give up , but get to the bottom of the problem. Let me know if you gey it fixed, so i can fix mine. Good Luck!
Guido.