DVD Drive spins up but doesn't read disc, then ejects disc

DVD Drive spins up but doesn't read disc, then ejects disc the dvd drive accepts discs (both dvds and cds) it spins up like its gonna read the disc, then stops spinning then spins back up, it does this a couple times then it ejects the disc on its own. in disk utility the dvd drive still shows up, so the computer still recognizes the drive, whats wrong with it?
Asked by: Guest \| Views: 146

Total answers/comments: 4

Comments display order:

bert [Entry]

Could be bad, could just have a dirty lens. I would get one of the optical drive cleaning disks and give it a try before replacing the disk or getting an external optical drive.

bert [Entry]

Best trick is to blow compressed air into the DVD slot. Worked for me.

bert [Entry]

"I took mine apart and cleaned the laser lens with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton bud (USA English translation = cue tip). The problem persisted even though this method/trick worked for me previously. As a last ditch attempt, I took it apart and literally just blew air from my mouth around the circuitry (not recommended as small bits of saliva might cause a short circuit and a completely dead drive; I only did this as I have no compressed air and I was willing to throw it in the bin (trash) if it didn't work afterwards, especially as a new one is already being posted to me as I type). Amazingly, it worked.

N.b. Before blowing air, I also inserted a disc a few times into the drive without the metal cover on it, with it connected via external USB - SATA connector; without the cover on I had to help guide the disc on to the central disc spinner/retainer (sorry, don't know the technical term). This may or may not have helped eventually get the drive functioning properly again (perhaps it freed up one of the mechanisms??).

Anyway, I hope documentation of my experience might help someone else with a stubborn drive at some. point in the future. Mine is now working perfectly - it was DOA inside a 2nd hand MBP from eBay."

bert [Entry]

"Try pushing the lens assembly to the inside of the drive mechanism. None of the cleaning steps seemed to work for me.

I noticed the trolley holding the laser lens assembly was always in the outside position when I opened the drive. I physically moved the trolley to the inside near the hub where the DVD attaches to the drive mechanism. Careful not to touch the lens though.

I think the lens assembly had gotten stuck on the outside edge of the drive mechanism, and couldn’t move anymore.

Then I put a DVD in, and it worked!"