My original week Macbook 1.8 has an optical drive problem that I've not seen or heard of before. I'm looking for opinions on whether it is time to replace or maybe something can be done to fix it.

When first turning on the computer, or waking from sleep, the drive starts making noises like it is actively moving a disc around. This isn't the normal, quick check to see if something is in the drive. It does it about 3 times and it sounds like the insertion of a disc each time. If you put a disc in during this period, or if one was already in the drive, it begins working normally. But if it is empty and I leave it empty, you can not put a disc in later.

Also, if I choose to eject a disc, it will start this weird cycle again. If I let the disc sit halfway out of the drive for an extra second before pulling it completely out, the mechanism starts trying to grab it. Not good, can damage the disc.

So, totally shot? Or drive fixable?

Common problem. You have to replace the drive to fix the issue. We sell superdrive replacements at our online store.

-Bradley
Powerbook Medic

Thanks. That's what I figured.

Is it a tough job to replace optical myself? And, how much to swap out a combo drive for a DL Superdrive if Powerbook Medic does it?

It isn't an incredibly quick repair, but its fairly straightforward. PBM can do it for $95 + the part cost.