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Model A1181: 1.83, 2, 2.1, 2.13, 2.16, 2.2, or 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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Why won't my disc insert into Superdrive?

I noticed recently that when trying to put a disc into my macbook, it was very hard to insert the disc. It still went in, but took a significant amount of force. Once it get in far enough, the drive started making noise and trying to accept the disc, however it would never actually go in. I took it to the genius bar and was told I needed a new drive, but it was out of warranty. I replaced the drive myself with the exact same model drive (HL-DT-ST DVD+/-RW GSA-S10N) with the guide at iFixIt.com, and the install went smoothly. However when I started the macbook up again, it has the exact same problem as the old drive. This leads me to believe it isn't the drive, but what else could it be? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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I wonder if there may be a defect in the cable. Sometimes if one of the individual wires embedded in the ribbon cable is having a problem, it can cause strange behavior.

Also, often optical drives are stuck in sort of a "locked" position, and usually when the computer is turned on and the drive has power, you will audibly hear the drive "unlock" and reset itself to a position in which it is able to accept discs. It sounds possibly as if yours is locked, and for whatever reason it's not unlocking.

Does the computer show that the drive is installed? If not, that's more evidence toward the cable being the issue. Does the drive make sounds at all when you power on, etc.? You might want to hold down the button while booting, even with no disc in the drive, just to see if that kicks it in gear.

Also, make sure the ribbon cable is plugged in all the way, and that one side of it is not edging up or whatever.

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Check the case optical drive slot. Any deformation ?

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Steve will be eternally grateful.
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