Hardware [solved-why?] homebrew booting problem- why does hitting eject on my BRD allow it to boot.

[dsdork]

I had an issue with homebrew booting to a black screen. The symptoms are very much like a dead BRD: homebrew booting to black screen. After way too much time trying new versions of CFW and MM, I finally figured out that hitting the eject button after booting my PS3 seems to set it in order to properly launch homebrew. I also can't put in a disk until I do this. I should note that original games and BR movies play just fine.

Can anyone tell me why this is?
Is my BRD near death?

Thanks!