Chosen Solution
The frame around the optical drive is slightly bent, not in a way you would normally notice. You have to look level across the keyboard to see a slight depression to the right of the trackpad above the CD drive (cd drive slot ever so slightly bent as well). CD/DVDs will not eject unless pressure is applied to bend/straiten the frame slightly. With just with hand pressure around the optical drive area while someone else pushes the eject button. Is it possible to bend, or manipulate the metal back to a suitable form to allow the CD drive to function again? (without making it worse, not fit back together or just have the metal go back into its current state once reassembled). If so, best way to do it? Just looking for a way to make it functional again, when so close to working correctly on its own.
Popsicle stick to twist/press into shape. You may have to dismantle the upper case to press on the back. Remember to return and mark accepted the answer that best solves your problem. Good luck, N
super drive ejects “hard”
I took my MBP 15" A1226 to the Apple Store where I live to investigate the same problem. The genius bar guys took one of the black stick spudger thingys and wedged/twisted it back to shape. Looks normal now. However, I think the drive was already bad because it was already having problems recognizing burned CDs.
