Hi,I have the dvr c300 model and about 4 months ago it refuses to read dvds/cds etc. It won't even recognize a cleaning disc in case it's just dust on the lens. I tried this morning to spray air in there but the carousel is in the way. I really want to fix this a.s.a.p. so can you help me out? At Wit's End.

Sorry this isn't a solution, but I just want to commiserate with you. I am having the same problem. I guess the problem started about three weeks ago. The recorder will not recognize any blank DVD-R discs and it only recognized 1 out of 4 new DVD-RAM discs. It would read most of my older DVD-RAM discs but would refuse to erase some of the old recorded programming. It also refused to recognize some of the older DVD-RAM discs, so in frustration I reformatted one. I was able to record and watch a couple of shows, but now it is saying "Unformat" for that disc.
About a year ago, the DVR gave ma some trouble and I was able to fix it myself. (I think it suddenly wouldn't power on, but I don't really remember if it was that or if it was a "SELFCHECK" error.) I had to open up the case and replace two capacitors. I bought the replacements at Radio Shack and my son helped me solder them on. My next step with this DVR will be to open up the case and look for any obvious problems. The worn-out capacitors looked oily and damaged, as I recall.

one particular disc? or all discs?
Unplug for 5 minutes and re-try.

Thanks

Some DVD/CD drivers have two lasers: one for DVD and the other for CD. Not sure if this is your case but looks like the laser for CD discs is gone. The only way to repair it to replace the pickup mechanism. Anyway, it's hard to diagnose your issue as it may be caused by drivers, dust, software that interferes with the CD/DVD drivers, etc.

hi, i think that the lens had got dirt on it.
u can clean it using using either of these  1) der is something called a lens cleaner. its a disk with a small brush which cleans the lens, 2) u can use a cotton ear bud and gently use it to clean the lens.
let me know if this hels.

It could be a couple things...
#1. Over time, dust and deposits can accumulate on the laser that reads the disc. In many cases, DVD players with this problem can still read CDs. You could try a DVD laser cleaner, which is usually a disc that has a tiny brush glued onto it. Run the cleaning disc 2 or 3 times, and try it again. Try both CDs and DVDs, since CDs are easier to read than a DVD.
2. After a DVD player has been used for awhile, another common problem is that the laser in the DVD player becomes misaligned, inhibiting its ability to read DVDs. In many cases, DVD players with this problem will still be able to read a CD. I'd try a cleaning disc first, since the only way to fix this problem is to bring the unit to a service center for repair.
Let me know what happens after you get the DVD laser cleaner and run it. Hope this helps.

My HT-X40 plays cds and mp3's but doesnt play DVD's, this is happening after like 4 months of my purchase. Sasmung DVD's ****.

hi there

long reading time for cds or dvds only means that there might be dust or residues hindering your cd lens to accurately read the data of the cd/dvd. what you can do is try to clean the lens with a cd cleaner.always check the cd/dvd that you insert are clean and fre of dust . if this still wont work and the player still have the long time to read the cd/dvds, my advise is to bring this to a service center and have this checked out.

hope this helps.

There would be a problem with cd reader lens
sou need to change it from the company if its in a warrenty or get it repaired from a person who is in to Chip Level Repairing

Hi, Ive just repaired several liteon's ( incidently they are identical inside to some philips models ). In most cases the non writing or non reading problem is caused by dust on the laser glass. You have to open the unit then remove the dvd drive then remove its covers and just give a wipe of the laser with a clean non fluffy cloth. If theres lots of dust in other parts of the drive then this will need to be removed also as it could easily get onto the laser when in use. Even almost new liteons can suffer the problem , it only needs a little bit of dust to top the laser shining onto the dvd , instead the dust just reflects the light back. Hope this helps.

In response to your jvc-a75r DVD player, sometimes the solution might be less complex than it may appear. Had the same problem with my Samsung s321,the machine refused to read DVD's but would play CD's no problem. Simply opened up the cover(usually)4-6 small screws, and found my dog's hair inside of the player covering the laser eye.Electrostatic ionization attracts dust,etc. into the player remarkably well sometimes. Carefully used a cotton swap to remove debri. PLayerworked fine afterwards ...Good luck!