I have a CD-ROM problem, give an idea

[Atahual]

Hello, I have CD-Rom that works bad, I place a CD and when it enters so that the mall pillow reads it, this does not move, but if I give a small impulse to the CD with my fingers, it begins to turn and the mall pillow reads it without problems; this happens some times, in other opportunities works well, turns the CD and the mall pillow reads it. For example of 5 times that I put CD 3 read it well.
It can be the small engine of the CD-ROM? as I can solve the problem?
Thanks for your help. Bye.

[rextex]

It may by the CD or Disk is going bad.There is not much to fix it.You can try to buy a Cleaning kit, or Cleaning CD.But if the motor or reading heads go bad, you will need another CD unit.

[Commandos]

Rextex is absolutely right. Just an input,if you're planning to change the CD Rom drive,Go for TEAC.

[Bovon]

While rextex and Commandos are correct (I think, I have a tad of trouble with the statement and language) I have a little different take on the problem.

...but if I give a small impulse to the CD with my fingers, it begins to turn and the mall pillow reads it without problems.

If I am understanding what Atahual is doing, and he is helping the door to close completely with a push with his fingers...then I think the problem may be lubrication. When the tray is closed, the internal mechanism must do several things, one is to bring the laser lens up to position under the CD. second is, there is a crossbar locking device that locks everything in place once everything is in the correct position. When all is in position, this crossbar is the last thing to be driven by the motor...if this crossbar fails to fully latch, the CD cannot be read by the laser because the laser is too far down under the CD to read it. The focal point of the laser is about 1 mm.

I have had to open up several CD readers and clean the tracks and lube the drive mechanism, after which most worked ok if the laser was still up to snuff. Lasers are one of the weakest components in and CD drive, reader or burner...they are cheaply made as far as lasers go...because laser technology and manufacturering is still pretty costly.

[Atahual]

Hello, again. I am from Argentina and for that reason you did not understand my english very well. There is no problem with the tray of the CD. I do not have to push it, but when the CD enters inside, the Cd no tour, single when I give an impulse to the CD with my fingers, this begins to turn normally and the computer reads the information of the CD without problems. What I do not occur idea is if the problem is the motor of the CD-ROM or the optico reader.
For your help thanks a lot!!!

And thanks Rextex, Commandos an Bovon.

[Rocketmech]

You must have the cover removed to put your fingers on the CD to help it spin up. This must be what your doing? ...sounds like the drive motor is not working correctly and could be just dirty. Try cleaning the unit with high pressure air. If your mechanically gifted then try to access the motor bearings and try to give 'em a shot of light machine oil or a silicone base lubricate. I suspect a new cdrom drive is what you'll need however. JMHO.

[G Ray88]

Atahual, if your CD-ROM is still under warranty, I would see if it can be replaced. Good Luck:)

[kazuza]

Open you CD-ROM (if not inside warranty), and check for the grips that grab the inside circle of the media. They may be loose.
Clean the lens with a soft, non abrasive cloth and alcohol, then dry it.
Check to see how does your rotation engine passes transmission.
You may need a new distribution chain...