How do I open the CD/DVD disk drive on an iMac?

..Donsputer..

Perhaps the iMac is G4 model with white-orb

base & LCD display on flexible chrome arm??

Imac G4 - Apple Community (w/ two '2021' replies)

//discussions.apple.com/thread/252800968?sortBy=oldest_first

"How can I get my G4 to boot, it won't get past the grey screen and won't

accept safe mode. - Also how can I open the disc drive to insert a disc to

try and boot from that?"

• Boot a Mac from a CD / DVD | osxdaily

https://osxdaily.com/2010/04/12/boot-your-mac-from-a-cd-dvd/

[The usual way to open the optical drive tray, is press/hold 'C key' as Mac boots.

This can work to allow insertion of a system disc; or start from utility disc, etc.]

Here's another link for outdated hardware that may be useful:

• Hardware - iMac G4 -

http://imacg4.weebly.com/hardware.html

http://imacg4.weebly.com/ - home

This archived ASC reply was brought to my attention

& it has good vintage links, & could provide answers.

If it's a tray-style CD/DVD disk drive, hold down the Eject key on your keyboard. (On my Apple extended keyboard, it's the key right above the Delete key in the same row as the F keys.) It looks like this:

If you have a slot-loading CD/DVD disk drive and there is a disc in it, first try using the Eject key on your keyboard. If that doesn't work, restart your Mac and while it is restarting hold down the primary key on your mouse.

"Open?"

Please help us help you.

Which iMac? They have been in continuous production since 1998 in five broad families with different optical drives types. It is impossible to give you a specific answer without knowing what model.

Older models have tray-loading drives. Then from about 2005 through 2011 iMac opticsl drives were slot-loaders—no "door" or tray to open.

iMacs made since 2012 do not have optical drives so require you to buy an external optical drive.