My DVD disc not recognized after loading, how can i fix it?
Ya know, this has caught me a few times, and I'm a video production engineer. I've experienced this on not only desktop models of laser/disc media, but on internal drives for computers as well. Believe it or not, in MOST of the cases, it turned out to be something so simple that I've flogged myself each time. It's something that a lot of us just seem to forget about over time. As you said, your tapes still work, but, in time, you'd start having issues until you did some routine maintenance. (Incidentally... one has nothing to do with the other) I don't know how long you've been using your machine, but here's something to try... CLEAN THE OPTICS! I had the same situation with one of my internal DVD drives (as well as CD) in the not too distant past. I didn't get why some discs would play and others wouldn't. In my line of work, troubleshooting and analyzing come with the territory, but in this case, I simply over thought the problem. It finally dawned on me that the problem might be that the laser can't read the disc properly, and why?... we'll... it has been some time since I actually pulled the drive and CLEANED IT! This would consist, in simple form, of opening the drive transport area, and blowing it out with a can of air, checking the loading mechanism to see if the gears need lubrication (use the right stuff... usually white grease is ok), then CLEANING THE OPTICS! This means locating the lens, and literally cleaning it's surface. I understand that there are many who would not want to tackle this, but it's really not that hard. The hardest part is to actually 'gain entry' to the transport area. This is where the disc sits on a spindle, and a mechanism that houses the optic lens moves (back and forth) over it. When you get it apart, you'll figure it out. It's generally easier with desktop type units (which yours is) than internal computer types, but I've not had a lot of trouble with either. You'll need the proper gear: Q-tips or chamois, necessary hand tools to get at what you need to, and an 'I can do this' attitude. Just take your time and think. Concerning cleaning the lens, you'll need a cleaning agent. DO NOT USE ANY TYPE OF SOLVENT. As a matter of fact, in a pinch, you could use alcohol, but believe it or not, try some good old fashioned Windex. Hell, it is glass, after all! Spray a little on your Q-tip or chamois (if you know what that is... I'm not gonna explain it here) and, once you've gained access to the lens, GENTLY clean the surface in a back and forth motion. I've found that it would REALLY help if you do this a couple of times, then wipe the lens surface with a CLEAN, DRY Q-tip or chamois to finish, as I've actually done this, still had the same issue, wasted more time troubleshooting, just to try this again, and find it solved my problem.... FOR A GOOD LONG TIME!... of course, until the cleaning needed to be done again. Be GENTLE with the lens transport assembly. It's delicate, and can be easily damaged. DON'T LET THIS SCARE YOU. You can do this... again, it's not that hard. Just be careful. I only wanted you to know this so you don't gorrilla the thing and end up having to replace the unit. Forget having it fixed if this is destroyed. The cost would exceed a new one. If you really don't feel comfortable messing with this kind of thing, I would say, 1, I think that anyone of reasonable intelligence can do this, and 2, ok, fine, then take it to someone and let them do it. Remember, though... if it isn't a buddy, he's gonna CHARGE ya for it! Once you've completed your tech work, put everything back together and see what happens. I've found this to be the problem in a majority of the issue type you describe. It's one of those "oh, yeah... I forgot it could be as simple as that...' kind of things. Ever forget?... happened to me... Of course, there are no guarantees here, but at the very least, you'll end up with a clean unit. Good Luck!... Maybe next time we can talk about how to clean the 'VCR' section of your unit... :-) JLB
