Disc drive slot will not open or work

[FaithMS]

I have windows 98 and need to reformat my computer. However, the disc door will not open. I can get it to open with a paper clip and I can push it closed, it will not work. No disc I put in there works. It will not even light up or anything. Is there a way it can be disconnected in a file etc?

Thank you in advance,   Faith

[Fed]

It sounds like it's not getting any power to it.
Does the light come on when you boot up?
Look inside & make sure the plus are in properly.

[FaithMS]

It sounds like it's not getting any power to it.
Does the light come on when you boot up?
Look inside & make sure the plus are in properly.

No lights at all come on when I boot up..What do you mean by,   plus are in properly??

[Fed]

plus=plugs, my bad typing.  

[Raptor]

Try disconnecting it from the ATA/IDE flat ribbon cable and then see if it receives power.

If that does not work, connect it to a different power connector. If that does not work, it is safe to assume the drive has given up the ghost.

[merlin_2]

What is this pc/make/model.......maybe a bios issue!

[FaithMS]

What is this pc/make/model.......maybe a bios issue!

It is a Gateway 450 . Have had it a long time, never had trouble with it until now.

[Raptor]

Try disconnecting it from the ATA/IDE flat ribbon cable and then see if it receives power.

If that does not work, connect it to a different power connector. If that does not work, it is safe to assume the drive has given up the ghost.