The present invention relates to an optical drive comprising an optical pickup unit; a linear drive motor; and a follower (12) coupled to said optical pickup unit and cooperatively engaged with said motor, such that operation of said motor causes linear movement of said follower (12) and optical pickup unit during normal operation. Said optical drive further comprises a stop member (26) arranged and configured such that during normal operation of said optical drive, movement of said follower (12) is permitted by said stop member (26) and locking means (18,28a-28b) for causing movement of said follower (12) relative to said stop member (26) at a predetermined drive position to a locked position in which movement thereof is restricted or prevented by said stop member (26).