DVD-R won't play discs, spins out of control!

March 2, 2009 1:40 PM

DVD player door opens 3/4 of the way, then won't play discs - Help!

I've got a Memorex brand DVD Recorder (MVDR 2102). Recently, when I try to play a DVD, the door opens about 3/4 of the way. When the DVD goes in and closes, I hear the drive start spinning for a second or two, then a second cycle where it spins much faster for a second or two, then it cuts out entirely. The player refuses to play anything.

I tried opening the case and blowing out the dust - no luck. Wanted to use a lens cleaner, but the player won't play it just like it won't play any other DVD. Really don't want to throw this out - is there any way I can fix this myself?

posted by l33tpolicywonk to technology (3 comments total)

Sounds to me like there is something stuck inside. Is there a tiny hole somewhere on or near the disc tray door? Usually there is, but I have to admit the manual doesn't show one. But if there is, stick a paperclip in the hole, and see if you can get the tray to open all the way. You may be able to clear the jam.

DON'T use a DVD cleaning disk. According to the manual, you cannot use a DVD cleaning disc in DVD recorders as the optical unit (laser) operates at a higher power than DVD or CD players and may damage the unit.
posted by ubiquity at 2:22 PM on March 2

I think the 'opens 3/4 of the way' problem is likely to be the key thing here. This fact implies that something is mechanically wrong, and this something may also be responsible for the other issues. If it were me I'd open it up, plug it in, and try to sort out the mechanical problem. Avoid touching anything inside while it's open, of course.

As for cleaning the lens, a cotton swap dipped in a little isopropyl alcohol is what I'd go with. Lens cleaners can be a bit hit-and-miss.
posted by le morte de bea arthur at 2:26 PM on March 2

I don't see a hole - I'm able to give the drawer a little tug to open it up. No obstructions inside that I can see.

Thanks for the warning against using cleaning discs.
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 2:30 PM on March 2