If the cd drive is fairly old, it is much cheaper to replace them than it is to repair them. And, you can than also upgrade to a DVD-RW which will write to DVDs and to CDs.
You could also run a spyware scan with Malwarebytes after installing and updating and also an online virus scan with "Housecall" just to make sure its not a spyware or virus problem

that is usually a symptom of a dieing or dead cd drive, that is how I knew mine was on the way out, I did just order a new one from newegg and put it in, got a much nicer one with DVD, lightscribe and dual layer for very good price.

Be very careful using the paper clip sticking it in the hole, the paper work that comes with them states not to do that unless the pc is fully powered off and unplugged, and it is certainly understandable why.

Have you tried going to My computer then to that drive letter right click and select eject?
It can on rare occasions be that the tracking has gotten off a bit and it makes it not open easily.

I dfon't ever recall a bug causing a drive not to open, but with it suddenly occurring on both systems I wonder. Gene's suggestion to complete scans first is my thought.

Has a guest been using your systems? Someone who may have conveniently changed settings for their use and forgot to return them to default?

How about children being a little rough with the trays when playing their games or CDs?

DA

ravencajun.....Yes, I usually click MY COMPUTER then click the driver letter right click and select eject -- but, it doesn't work! I am going to buy a CD cleaner and see if it works, otherwise I will have to buy a new driver for each computer.

Thanks for the information about using the paper clip -- it was very helpful -- I am not going to do that procedure anymore.

If I had a CD that windows explorer couldn't open I think I would look in Device Manager.. probably system error logs too. Maybe look at the driver date in Device Manager. If new,, roll back the driver.

Or possibly I might go find the drivers for it ..... Then; uninstall it from Device Manager reboot and see if it discovers new hardware and ask for drivers and hope that fixes it.

I will try your advice Mikie. One other thing...how come the CD-RW opens when I want to insert the cd but it does not open when a cd is in it.

No inserts cds in my CD-RW but me...so it can't be that.

I found this at WorldStart which appeared in their Newsletter and it worked for me. I thought I would share it with others in case they have a similar problem. I quote:

"Other Eject Options"

I'm sure many of you have read our tips on how to eject a stuck CD from your computer, but even after going through all those steps, are you still having trouble getting that stubborn CD to come out? Sometimes those things can be so frustrating and after you mess with it for awhile, you probably just feel like throwing your whole computer out the window. Am I right? Well, before you go that far, give these alternative tricks a try. They may be just what you've been waiting for!

First, try adding something to the CD. If you put an extra file or another song on it, that might be enough to coax it out. Also, when you're using a CD, make sure you eject it before you start up another program. If you leave the CD in its tray while you use other programs, it could cause some problems. Another thing to try is a simple reboot. Sometimes when you shut down your computer and then turn it back on, the CD will eject.

Now, while all of those are good suggestions, they still might not work for you. So, if that's the case, you may want to try the other tips I mentioned in the first paragraph. One of them tells you to try the traditional method of right clicking on your CD drive and choosing Eject. I know that's the problem you're having, but if you try it more than once, it could finally open. You never know! The other tip we have tells you how to use a paperclip to get your CD out. You can read all about that here. Either way you go, I hope you're finally able to get your CD out so that you can enjoy your life in happy CD bliss once again!" end of quote....

IT WORKED FOR ME. Also, I bought a Laser Lens Cleaner for my CD-R, CD-RW, CD-ROM and DVD....and they are now cleaned.

One item that may keep a CD-ROM drive from opening is a file on the CD that is still open, or a file that has been written to the CD and not closed (the system sees these as files that are in use). This condition can occur with poorly written software.