iFixit

Lift the half up and then flip the console upright, and make sure that you don't let the tabs close.

Removing the bottom half.

This next step is hard, but I promise that the bottom half comes off.

Using a small flathead screwdriver, pry these tabs apart. It's hard to show how to remove the clips, but you'll see soon enough.

Using a flathead screwdriver, pop out all 7 tabs. It's hard to do this without causing some damage to the casing.

Removing the bottom/right half.

These pictures should explain how it's done.

Once all tabs are free, flip the console back over and lift the bottom half off.

Removing the Top Half

Using a small flathead screwdriver, or a spudger, remove the eject button assembly.

It should come off easily, but some models have adhesive, making the process slightly harder.

Removing the top half.

Flip the console over and remove the 6 T10 Screws. They should each be 3" long, if not, you removed the wrong screws.

Then flip the console back over, holding it by both the plastic and the metal.

Now lift the top half off, and Voila! You now have access to the guts.

Removing the DVD Drive.

It is a SATA DVD drive with a proprietary Xbox power connector.

Lift the drive up near the back revealing the connectors.

Remove both the power and SATA cables from the drive. Be careful when doing this, the connectors are fragile.

Pull the drive out of the console. There may be tape on the front of the drive holding it in, remove the tape.

Set the drive aside.