You could try cycling the batteries (charge fully, then run down to nothing - repeat several times), but chances are due to age they will never give you more than a few seconds, if at all. If you really need battery power, consider repacking them with standard rechargable cells. Also, clean off any crud/corrosion on the battery terminals and internal 1400 battery connector to see if it helps in registering the battery more reliably.

The CD drive - try cleaning the lens very carefully with a cotton bud and some isopropyl/rubbing alcohol. The drives used in 1400s are pretty common units for the day (equivalent PC laptops probably use a similar drive), so if faulty you can probably shoehorn another drive in there.

JB