cd-rw drive randomly opens and closes

[bezdomni]

The cd drive on my desktop will randomly start opening and closing, usually after it wakes up from sleeping (although not always).

It will also stop for arbitrary periods of time, and then start up again.

It's incredibly fucking annoying, so I've just unplugged the goddamn thing. But I can't think of why this is happening.

Before you say virus/malware (which is the only explanation I've seen googling for the problem), I've completed formatted the HD of the computer and installed a different operating system (went from debian-stable to zenwalk/slackware)...and I even had the problem when I was installing slackware. I don't think any software or viruses are responsible for this problem, I think it is at the hardware level.

Any suggestions about what I should do?

[Hiero]

Try cleaning it with a lens cleaning.

Could be a power issue, does it turn on and off?

If neither, just get a new one.

[Q]

Yeah, it sounds like a hardware failure or a software problem on a low level (firmware). Buying a new one is probably the easiest thing to do.

[Dooga Aetrus Blackrazor]

I'm not an expert. I've only modified my computer. However, I believe the drive functions rather mechanistically. If some dirt is caught in the wrong place, or the wires are tangled, the pressure could be building up and eventually reopening the drive, perhaps?

[mel]

A new drive is about 20 bucks. If it's not a firmware issue, you should probably just replace it or ask around and see if anybody has an old machine you could salvage one out of.