Problem: When I insert a blank CD, I can hear the mac debating it with some whirring actions, and then it is rejected. Photo CDs and music CDs do work. Blank CDs are set to open with Finder but they don't show up on the desktop and are ejected. I don't know how to run a hardware test as is recommended in a previous post. Could I run this with a music CD in the drive and still get results as to why a blank CD doesn't work? It seems like a software problem.
Background: Recently my LaCie external hard drive crashed and I've been working on recovering the files. The blank CDs eject whether or not the LaCie is plugged in. I've just noticed the problem of ejecting CDs since the LaCie crashed. However, I rarely used to insert blank CDs except for music or photos.
Powerbook G4 667 Mac OS X (10.4.5)

Since my original posting, I've run a hardware test - everything was normal. And I reset the PMU under the keyboard - but CDs still get popped out and don't register.

It seems like a software problem.

Do non-blank CDs work ok?

Just FYI, please make sure you make a distinction between CDs and DVDs. They require different lasers within your drive so it is possible that one will work and the other not.

PowerBook G4 1.25GHz Mac OS X (10.4.5) 1GB / 80GB (5400rpm) / SD ; iPod 4G 40GB

I have the combo drive so it only reads dvds but can't write. So it can read storebought dvds and cds, read most homemade cds but can't mount blank cds.

Have you tried another brand of CD blanks?

Mac mini Core Duo 1.66GHz 2GB/80GB/SD ; PowerBook G4 1.25GHz 1GB/80GB/SD Mac OS X (10.4.6) Dell 2405FPW ; Maxtor OneTouch 250GB ; Pioneer DVR-109BK ; iSight ; iPod 4G 40GB

Yes I've tried several brands. I took it to the genius bar but the geniuses offered a more than $200 replacement of the same drive. I've seen where others have recommended less expensive replacements and I'm ready to go for that. I have the older 667 mgh powerbook g4 15" so it was a cdrw-dvd-r drive. Any recommendations?

Well¡­ if you have no need for your CD/DVD burning requirements to be portable then I would just go out any buy yourself an external drive. Otherwise, you can try third parties like MCE¡­

http://www.mcetech.com/

Mac mini Core Duo 1.66GHz 2GB/80GB/SD ; PowerBook G4 1.25GHz 1GB/80GB/SD Mac OS X (10.4.6) Dell 2405FPW ; Maxtor OneTouch 250GB ; Pioneer DVR-109BK ; iSight ; iPod 4G 40GB

I am running int ot the same problem. It worked fine earlier this morning. I burnt a CD using the burn folder. now whenever I insert blank cds they just spin a couple times and then eject. not good. anybody find a setting that will overeide this?

poewrbook g4 Mac OS X (10.4.5)

Same thing with my Ti Book.
Powerbook G4 667 Mac OS X (10.4.5)