PCI-E slot damaged somehow, cards won't fit. How to fix?

Question

While troubleshooting an unrelated problem, I removed my PCI-E graphics card. Now I can't get it back in! I can't get a second card in either, so I know it's not the card that's damaged.

I tried cleaning out the PCI-E slot using an air duster and a toothpick. I also tried wedging a thin piece of plastic into the slot to straighten any bent pins, if that was the problem.

I've looked at this thing with a flashlight many times, and I can't see any reason a card wouldn't fit into it. It doesn't appear to be damaged at all. But, I can't get any card to fit anymore.

I've since installed a regular PCI card and discovered my problem had nothing to do with the graphics card, so I'd like to get that b*****d back in there.

Answer 1

If you take a close look at a PCI-e card, you will notice a small "tab" at the BACK of the card's pins.

Tjis "tab" either slips into a "notch" mounted on the motherboard or it has a "clip" similar to memory sockets.

Thus you have to tilt the card at a slight angle backwards, then slide it into the PCI-e slot. You can't simply push straight downward like you do for AGP, PCI type cards.