iMac - can't eject CD, metal part blocking CD slot, how to fix this? I have a 20" iMac (white, Core Duo 2.0 Ghz, one of the first Intel iMacs).

Lately I've had a problem where the iMac won't eject a CD.  It attempts to eject it, makes all the eject-related noises, but the disc seems to hit a piece of metal and then falls back into the drive.

I can see the little metal piece when I look in the slot (pushing the rubber stuff aside with a paper clip).

It's like the little metal piece is supposed to retract but it's staying put.

Eventually it just starts working again -- maybe if I unplug the iMac?  Not sure.

Anyone know what's wrong or how to fix it?  Do I need a new disc drive or something?

Thanks,
Rob

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More info:

The metal piece keeping the disc in appears to be some kind of lever that's part of the drive.  I turned off the machine, unplugged the power, laid the machine on its back for a while, then stood it up, plunked it down a little hard, and the little lever thingy must have fallen back into place correctly because now the disc ejects again.

The thing is, this is going to happen again because it's a recurring problem.

Is this a problem with the hardware?  Any idea how to fix it?
It looks like the optical drive is dying.

iFixit has instructions to change it.