In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes determining whether a medium in a drive is in motion, the drive being mounted in a receptacle. In response to determining that the medium is in motion, physical removal of the drive from the receptacle is prevented. In another embodiment, a computer program product for controlling removal of a drive includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se. The program instructions are readable and/or executable by a computer to cause the computer to perform the foregoing method.