-> WC>>> I see my regular CD drives have those specialized torx
-> WC>>> screws complicating matters :-( 

-> ->> I've never taken one apart but I never let that stop me
-> before. ;-) 

-> WC> Me neither but I very strongly suggest you obtain the
-> WC> correct torx driver as those screws are extremely small. 

-> I've discovered that many hardware stores around here (in Mich)
-> are selling a brand "MIT" of screwdriver at very low prices of
-> $2-3 each. They look 'cheap' from a distance with clear handles
-> with blue painted stripes down them but are really quite well
-> made of chrome-vandium steel and properly ground on the ends.
-> At those prices I can get the proper tool(s) if need be.  

You'll need to believe me unless you discover some method of
getting to the optic I've not discovered.
I've a a recovered dead CD-ROM drive here to practice on.

On the matter of power supplies in the post you replied to that I
unintentionally skipped over...

It's not just the vents at the fan that get dirty.
My AT power supply was FILLED with crud on the inside too.

Took a massive amount of cleaning inside of the components
and circuit board.

I found a dead simple way to do it but can't recomend it
as yet as tried once I've no idea if it compromized
the PS in any way.
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