Macbook 2006 DVD Drive Issue

[i.Annie]

I'm not good with hardware stuff, so lend me a hand

I've got a 2006 Macbook and bought it used off CL, everything checked out fine except the one thing I didn't bother to check until now (3 months later ... lol)

So the dvd drive isn't working and I was wondering if anybody knows what is wrong with it specifically, whether I can get it fixed or not, or if I just flat out need to replace it.

Basically I'll put in say an installation disc for my wireless printer, or even an OS X recovery disc, it'll function to the point where it takes the disc in but it'll act like it's trying to read it for about a minute or two then spit it back out. Nothing loads, nothing happens, it just spits the disc back out automatically.

Any suggestions at all would help. TIA guys

[Scoops98]

It's kinda common for the drives to pack it in. Your's is most likely toast. I've been using an external for years. I'd suggest you get an external drive. Faster than internals. If you want to replace the internal, post you Model Identifier and your current internal DVD drive model, and I'll see what it needs. It's super easy to dismantle the MacBook Pros.

[i.Annie]

I forgot about the option of an external optical drive, that does sound like a better alternative. I did just want to confirm though that the drive is completely gone and would need replacement. There goes resell value

It's actually a Macbook (white) though, so would this be just as easy to open up and possibly replace the part (if I can find one cheap enough for my budget)?

Edit: geez, just looked at the prices on the part I need and the connector itself is already $25+, I wasn't planning on spending more than $50 in total on this old thing. Maybe the external is the way to go.

[Scoops98]

Sorry, you did say it was a MacBook! Sorry. The drive is pretty spendy: OWC MMB5SD8LK Mercury MacBook 13"/Macbook Pro... in stock at OWC

[i.Annie]

Yeah really lol. It's not absolutely vital for me to have it work bc I do have a MBP and an external would work just as well, it just sucks for reselling.

How much do you think I can get out of it by the end of next year when I'm ready to sell, with this busted drive?

Bought it for $450 a few months ago, I'm hoping to get at least $300 to fund for my next MBP.

[Scoops98]

It will affect resell value. That sucks.

I use this site to determine Mac value: Mac2Sell - Guide to used Mac, iPad, iPhone & iPod - Evaluation - Argus Mac, iPod, iPad, iPhone Occasion
Another site: GadgetValue.com | Used computer value, Laptop worth
Mac specs: Mac Specs, Prices, Answers, & Comparison @ EveryMac.com - Est. 1996

[i.Annie]

Cool links, thanks! I'll be happy to get around $250 really. Thanks again for your advice

[Scoops98]

No worries. Glad I could help!