I have an acer aspire x1200-b1601a with a cd/dvd drive that will not open without putting the tip of a knife along the edge and prying it open. the "magic" pinhole is behind the case's cover and cann

CD-ROM, DVD, or other disc tray not opening Locking device or software installed First, verify no locking software installed that prevents the tray from opening. If you are unsure, reboot the computer and as it is booting up, eject the tray. If the tray can eject as it is booting, but stops working after loading your operating system, something is being loaded that is preventing the drive tray from opening. Programs used to burn CDs are a common culprit.
Bad eject button If you are running Microsoft Windows, open My computer, right-click the disc drive icon and choose the option to eject. If this ejects your CD-ROM drive tray, the button on the disc drive is defective, and it is recommended that the drive be replaced.
No power to computer or disc drive If you have recently installed a new optical drive or you have moved the computer, the power cable to the CD-ROM may have become loose or disconnected. Reseat the power cable to make sure this is not the problem.

• Check the cable connections.

CD stuck within drive If you suspect that a CD may be stuck within the drive, the tray needs to be ejected manually. Look for the small manual eject hole that ( not the head phone jack) located on the front of the drive. Unwind a paper clip and place one end of the paper clip into the hole to eject the CD-ROM tray.

If CD-ROM tray opens part of the way, pull it gently to see if you can get it to open fully. If it cannot be opened any further, it is likely that the gears within the CD-ROM drive have become damaged or dislodged. But usually, a stuck CD is blocking the way.

Caution: If you are able to open the CD-ROM drive using a paper clip, we do not recommend continuing to do so. This is meant to be used as a temporary solution; the drive should be replaced.

What to do if CD or DVD stuck in drive? Note: This document is for disc drives with a disc in the drive that prevents the tray from opening. See our CD-ROM, DVD, or other disc tray not opening document, if the tray is not opening at all or doesn't seem to be getting power.
If the CD or DVD is not set into the disc tray correctly, it could be sticking up above the surface of the tray, causing it to get stuck with then tray tries to open. In this case, it may be possible gently shake the computer and move the CD or DVD into the correct place in the tray, allowing the drive to open. However, use caution when doing this, as you do not want to shake the computer too much, or you could damage other components.
If this is a desktop computer, you can prevent damage to the computer by opening the computer and removing the disc drive in order to shake or rotate the drive. When the drive is out of the computer, you can manually release the tray by inserting a paperclip into the manual eject hole.
In the case of a laptop computer or a slot load disc drive, since the CD or DVD does not sit in a tray, it cannot be shaken in order to adjust the disc. If the disc is visible you may be able to move the disc a bit by hand, enough to allow the drive to eject the disc. Again, be careful in doing so, as you could damage the disc or drive in the process.
If you're still unable to get the disc out of the drive after following the above steps, it may be a damaged drive and should be replaced. If the disc in the drive is an important disc and you believe the drive is bad, the drive can be disassembled in order to remove the disc. In the case of a laptop or computer with a slot load disc drive, the computer needs to be serviced in order for the drive the be replaced and the disc to be removed.

reference: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001487.htm

What to do if CD or DVD stuck in drive