Always charge your laptop on a flat, elevated surface (like a table- not the floor)- outside of the case. When putting your laptop in the case to carry it- make sure to put the cd/dvd end in first. When it is in the case, the ports- usb, firewire etc.., should all be visible. We’ve learned that by putting the iBook in the case so the cd/dvd drive is visible, is causing some pressure in that area- making the drive inoperable. People squeeze down in that area when they’re holding it to put it in/take it out of the case. If you notice a bit of a depressed area there, or your cd/dvd is getting stuck- that is probably what has happened.