diff --git a/drivers/media/video/cx88/cx88-blackbird.c b/drivers/media/video/cx88/cx88-blackbird.c
index 1b7e2e44b802..e71369754305 100644
--- a/drivers/media/video/cx88/cx88-blackbird.c
+++ b/drivers/media/video/cx88/cx88-blackbird.c
@@ -1073,6 +1073,7 @@ static int mpeg_open(struct inode *inode, struct file *file)
 		err = drv->request_acquire(drv);
 		if(err != 0) {
 			dprintk(1,"%s: Unable to acquire hardware, %d\n", __func__, err);
+			unlock_kernel();
 			return err;
 		}
 	}