I have a Sony VAIO computer and im trying to reformat it because of a blue screen that always appear. So i have the CD to reformat.. but the problem is that the CD drive wont open.. can anyone help me in a step by step process=[ tnx in advance ~fred

Sorry, you need to explain a bit more clearly. Do you mean that the CD will not boot to let you start the format/install process or that the drive will physically not open? Also I need to know what version of Windows you are trying to install. You need to start by using a floppy boot disk which will let you FDISK (partition) the drive (if needed) or format the drive. This will also let you start the PC with CD support so that you can access the CD drive. If you physically cannotopen the CD drive look for a small hole just under the tray - inserting a thin wire (straightened paperclip) in here will release the drive.

Please don't cross-post, it just makes people ignore you - check the ME reply.

Please ignore 2nd post - have been using Opera browser & it seems to screw around by not updating so shan't be using it again. Apologies johnr "I know that I'm mad, I've always been mad"

troubleshoot...don't reformat! ASUS A7N8X-X Athlon XP 1800+ 8.5 x 200MHz 1024MB PC3200 2.5-3-3-7 Asus A9550GE/TD 128MB WinME/WinXP Pro SP1

You can use a straightened out paperclip to open the drive. There should be a small hole in the front of the drive, and just insert the paperclip into that hole. The drive should pop open. Soylent Green is PEOPLE!!!

I have a sony VAIO PCV-650 and i have the same problem. I have two cd drives, and one will not open at the touch of the button. I have to slightly hit the top of the computer right after i push the button. and after that, it will close on its own 5 seconds later if i dont hold it open. i can hear the mechanism that opens and closes it struggling. I can hear the noise it makes as it closes, but the gears inside just spin and spin and it wont close sometimes. i have to give it a little nudge and it will close very fast. i purchased my computer pre built, and after i reformatted once, the DVD software was gone. warranty was up and i never got a cd for it when i bought it. about the hole and the straightened paper clip. with my sony vaio case atleast, there is no hole on the outside, you have to take off the case front. but the only hole there has a headset icon under it. ive already had enough experience with paper clips in elextrical outlets. hope it helped can i put a question here?