First thing to check is that there is not a disk already in the drive - it is possible even if it doesn't appear on the desktop, and the symptoms you describe are not dissimilar to what you would expect if the drive is already occupied. Reboot your system while holding the (left) mouse button down. If there's a disk in there, it'll attempt to spit it out during the startup process.
Assuming no disk, make sure you are feeding the disk far enough for the mechanism to grasp it (it needs to be almost all the way in).
After that, I would try a PMU reset if it is a PPC Mac mini, or an SMC reset if an Intel model - instructions as follows:
To reset the PMU +(PPC mini only)+
-Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord.
-Wait 10 seconds.
-Plug in the power cord while simultaneously pressing and holding the power button on the back of the computer.
-Let go of the power button.
-Press the power button once more to start up your Mac mini.
To reset the SMC +(Intel mini only)+
-From the Apple menu, choose Shut Down (or if the computer is not responding, hold the power button until it turns off).
-Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord and any display cables.
-Wait at least 15 seconds.
-Plug the power cord back in, making sure the power button is not being pressed at the time.
-Then reconnect your keyboard and mouse to the computer.
-Press the power button on the back to start up your computer.
Mar 25, 2008 10:37 AM
Connect your Mac mini to other devices
I have a mid-2010 Mac mini, and a new CD became stuck in the optical drive after importing its tracks to iTunes. The Mac software was telling the drive to eject the disk, and I could hear it trying, but the disk would not come out of the drive slot. Something was blocking it. Mac mini features the Apple T2 Security Chip — second-generation custom Mac silicon designed by Apple to make Mac mini even more secure. The T2 Security Chip consolidates several controllers into one, and includes a Secure Enclave coprocessor that provides the foundation for encrypted storage and secure boot capabilities. Read/Write(burning) DVD, DVD Dual-Layer, CD, even Blu-ray — on your Mac (or PC) Choose Your Mac 'Universal' External options MacBook Pro 17' 2006-2008 MacBook Pro 15' 2006-2008 MacBook 2006-2008 PowerBook G4 Aluminum 12' PowerBook G4 Aluminum 15' & 17' PowerBook G4 Titanium iBook G4 iMac G5 iMac 2009-2011 iMac 2006-2008 Mini Mac Pro 2009-2012. Computer, Meet TV: If you're using a standard def TV, get this. However, the Mac mini is compatible with almost any Bluetooth keyboard and wireless mouse, allowing you to customize your input accessories for style and comfort, without adding bulk or clutter to your workspace. If you wish to play physical DVDs or CDs in addition to streaming videos and songs, simply connect a plug-and-play disc drive.
If the cable from your external display, hard drive, or other device doesn't connect to the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports on your Mac mini, you might need an adapter.
Find the right adapterUse 10Gb Ethernet with your Mac mini
If you configured your Mac mini (2018) with 10Gb Ethernet, learn which cables to use and how to maximize transfer speeds.
Connect to 10Gb EthernetConnect multiple displays to your Mac mini
With four Thunderbolt 3 ports built-in, Mac mini supports an HDMI display along with two 4K displays or one 5K display.
Connect to displays
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Set up your keyboard, mouse, and trackpad and learn about other Mac accessories.
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