As the subject states - my malata 996 seems to be dead or at least doesn't power up and was wondering if there was any way of getting the disc out manually? Any help appreciated. Thanks.

A crowbar or screwdriver?

Mine did this once try pulling the power chord out from the wall socket and then replug it back in... This worked for me and it powered back up and worked fine....

Tried that numerous times but to no avail... anyone with a manual out there? I am hoping there's a manual emergency eject pinhole like there are on dvd roms...?

Don't know specifically about this model, but if it indeed does have an eject pinhole, you'll find it behind the face of the drive tray.

Carefully pry the tray upward with a flat screwdriver and take a look.

I have the manual, but it's written in mangled English doesn't even cover half of the player's functions. It won't be of much help.

You could always try...


S M A S H!

Nope, you need a voodoo ceremony.

Obviously having the DVD inside was the dying desire of your player. Let it be.

Be that as it may I don't think Blockbuster will quite see it that way lol

You'll most likely have to remove the cover and check the loader. If its like similar models, you might notice a brass screw on each side of the loader that secures a section of plastic extending over the top of your trapped disc. With the screws removed, apply slight pressure downward to each side of the metal hub and the plastic sides should bow outward. You should be able to get your fingertips underneath, perhaps one side at a time, and lift the section up and over small tabs that click it in place. With this top section removed you should be able to take out the disc.

thanks philo - that's about how it played out - the disc is now free and on its way back to blockbuster.

the dvd has been liberated! hooray!

Buddha be praised!!!