A tray is a thin plastic disc holder that allows a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc to be inserted into the computer. The first picture is an example of what the traditional CD-ROM tray looks like in a desktop computer.

The bottom image shows an example of a laptop CD-ROM drive tray. Unlike the desktop CD-ROM tray, this tray is more flimsy because it’s thinner and is missing the right portion of the tray.

How to eject the disc tray

To eject the disc tray from the drive, press the eject button on the front of the drive. To put the tray back into the drive, push the front of the CD-ROM tray, and it automatically goes back into the CD-ROM drive.

A disc tray is also sometimes called a drawer and coffee cup holder (slang) after someone improperly used the tray to hold a cup of coffee.

  • How to eject the disc tray.
  • Other types of CD-ROM.
  • Missing disc drive tray.
  • Related information.

For laptop users, the disc tray is ejected by pressing the eject button. To put the tray back in, push the tray back into the drive.

  • Why does the CD-ROM, DVD, or other disc drive tray not open?
  • CD or other disc tray does not close or opens by itself.

Other types of CD-ROM

Not all computers with a CD-ROM or other disc drive use a tray. Below are other types of disc drives.

It is also possible to eject the disc tray using software. For example, in Microsoft Windows, you can open My Computer, right-click the drive, and choose the Eject option. If you’re on a desktop, you can also repeat the steps to have the tray go back into the computer once ejected.

  • Caddy
  • Slot loading

Missing disc drive tray

Not all desktop computers and laptop computers have disc drives. Check the owner’s manual for your computer if you are unsure if it contains an optical disc drive.

For desktop computers without a disc drive with an available drive bay, a disc drive can be installed into the computer. For laptop users who do not have a disc drive, you can get an external USB disc drive to add a disc drive to your computer.

CD terms, Eject

  • How to install a CD, DVD, or another disc drive.
  • CD-ROM help and support.