Yep, the "OPEN" button lights up when the unit is plugged in. I heard mechanical sounds when the button is pushed, but it was very faint, and there was no response. Now, I hear nothing.
I have not seen such a switch, but the metal frame/harness that mounts the unit in the trunk is still attached, so there could be other controls currently hidden...
Nope, the CDs were store-bought and as far as I know are of standard-label size.
The manual is of no use for some reason; it does not offer troubleshooting on the topic. There is a manual trigger, just below the OPEN button. It doesn't help opening the cover - I had to do that myself. However, pushing the trigger with a metal pin does not seem to release the CD magazine, which refuses to move.
Thanks for the help, I'll keep fiddling around with it. Any other suggestions before I shell out the hundreds of my worthless Canadian dollars for a new unit? <_< :o