
Hi everyone. I recently got an iMac G3 Bondi Blue (this is a TRAY load). I decided to make it my project to upgrade it to an SSD with Mac OS 8,9,X on it because it sounded like a "genius" idea. I have original Apple OS 9 and 10.3 install disks and made my own CD-R for OS 8.1. After trying to use ANY CD, I discovered the optical drive seems to not be functioning. It will spin (a little bit) and whir for about 15 seconds after inserting a disk, then just stops. I cannot boot from any of these disks and I know they work because I put them into a different Mac. I tried cleaning the "eye"... but to no avail. Someone online suggested if the reader block does not easily glide back and forth on its rails with a finger nudge (see photo), it could be either gunked up or broken. Is there any advice on how to repair this? I am not opposed to outright replacing the drive but I cannot find any available online so if you know where I can buy a replacement tray load drive, I definitely will look at it. Thanks!