Could be something as simple as a dusty laser/sensor, but could also be something terminal.
I’d give it a blast of compressed air, make sure that the laser carriage can move freely on its rails (re-grease if necessary) and then try reading a proper pressed CD (not a CD-R or CD-RW). If it can’t read a proper CD at that point then it’s likely going to need electronic work/replacement parts.
Winner! It’s always nice when you buy something from the bay, get a refund and subsequently manage to fix the broken item!Well i got a refund off the bay, and they didnt want it back, there was a large void removed label still sealed and i didnt want to open it up if i was returning it. anyway it took a while to open it, its fitted with a star key that i couldnt find the correct size. I manage to undo the thread using needle nose plyers. took all the housing off, and gave a few puffs over the lens area with compressed air... put it back together and it read a CD first time
Do love a happy ending
Thats a nice looking drive too.