Disc read error

Your system needs a mod chip to play games on a disc that was not created by Sony.
Most ps2 games are DVD's only some are cd's.. All of the ps1 games are cd's so if you burnt it onto a dvd its not going to work.

I had the same problem with mine. it would play the ps2 games just fine but when i put a DVD in, it would click and keep saying reading disc.. i took it apart and gently cleaned the lense with a qtip and now it works fine

Is the disc a cd or a dvd? try copying the files inside that game and burn it on a mew cd or dvd then insert the disc into your game console and check if it reads. Pm me if it works or not. thank you..

You can buy new DVD pickups online for about 15-20 It will take a very small phillips screwdriver and needlenose pliers to change out the old one

try cleaning the disk with cleaner if you dont have cleaner use water

Same problem here, your only option is to send it in to sony.  I'm about to click submit with my card information to pay the fee.  Mine reads everything but blu ray games and movies.  If yours is over a year old it's probably out of warranty like mine unless you bought the extended warranty.  For you crlnmcgrth, i would check and see if you can find out when you bought yours exactly.  If you are still under warranty sony will fix it for free or send you another system identical to yours for free.  Call 1-800-345-sony.  They open at 9 am est or 6 pst. Hope this helps.  

I am guessing that when it was refurbished, it was because of a disc drive error... so i am about 90% sure that they didn't flash the disc drive and that would be their mistake. Disc Drives have their own memory and would still be able to play cd's and dvd's without problems... but if they are not flashed correctly through a sata computer with the correct hardware, they will not play games. My opinion is that you should contact the place which you bought it from, it's not your fault.

There is a piece dust on the CD reader eye. there is two ways to fix this. 1. bye a disk cleaner any wal-mart or 2. take the unit apart. and clean the tiny glass laser eye your self using a cotton swab and alcohol. WARNING! never take any thing apart while it is plugged in. O TRY PLAYING A DVD IN IT AND SEE IF IT WORKS OR NOT IF NOT THEN YOU KNOW ITS DUST ON THE LASER LENS.

• Confirm the disc is inserted correctly into the PlayStation 2 console (label side should be facing up when the PlayStation 2 console is in the horizontal position).
  
• Confirm the disc is clean. To clean a disc, use lint-free cleaning cloths made specifically for cleaning CD/DVD discs, sold at computer software stores. When cleaning the disc, we recommend starting from the innermost circle, and wiping out to the edge in a straight line. We do not recommend wiping in a circular motion, as it may create more scratches on the disc. [Note: Other materials, such as a paper towel or a T-shirt, may also scratch the disc. If there are any scratches, smudges, or fingerprints on the disc, it may not function properly.]
  
• Try playing different CDs, DVDs, and games on the PlayStation 2 console to see if the problem exists across multiple discs.
  
• To determine if the problem is with the disc itself, try playing the disc on a different PlayStation 2 console (or a PS oneTM or a standalone CD/DVD player, if applicable).
  
• Confirm that you are not using any game modification devices. Unlicensed devices such as game modification devices can interfere with the proper function of the software. We do not recommend the use of any game modification devices or unlicensed products[1].
  
  
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Blocking the sensors did you in I'm afraid. What has happened is the *DVD* read mechanism has gotten goofed because of this, but the *CD* read mechanism is still ok. Maximo and a few other PS2 games were actually on CD, not DVD. If you look on the back cover, you will see the Compact Disc logo (in the lower right area on the box for Maximo). These games have a blue bottom disc instead of the silver bottom. You can attempt to re-align the laser which is a fairly lengthy process and there are numerous guides out there to do this. Here is one: http://arstechnica.com/articles/paedia/hardware/ps2.ars Note that this guide is for the larger model but the concept of lens adjustment is still the same and a quick google search will provide more in-depth detail. Since you have already opened your system, this may be an option for you. If the PS2 was purchased new as you said, it might not be the worst idea to exchange it for a new model as the lens going out this soon might be an indication that the unit wouldn't have lasted that long to begin with. Also just a friendly reminder that opening your PS2 voids your warranty and double check the return policies of where you bought the system.