Apple MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4GHz, Late 2007 CTO, Early 2008, and Late 2008) - Manual (Page 87)

MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4/2.6GHz, 2008) Take Apart — Optical Drive 87
Replacement Procedure
Verify that the EMI gasket is installed on the bottom case in the back of the drive bay. 1.
Important: The optical drive must be installed so that it does not sit on top of the gasket.
Insert the drive toward the logic board so that the gasket is pushed behind the drive.