Sega CD (model 2) won't read discs (help request)

[greg]

Hello,
Nearly a year ago, I bought both a Megadrive and Mega CD (I live in Japan). They worked properly. The Megadrive still works fine, but tonight I tried loading up Time Gal and it wouldn't work. Neither would Final Fight. I popped in my laser lens cleaning CD, and apparently it won't load music CDs either.

1. The Mega CD OS boots up, so there's no fuse problem.
2. The unit tries spinning the disc, but I can hear a quiet "teh teh teh teh" for a bit and the disc slows to a stop. I think the unit just gives up.
3. I am using the proper AC adaptors that came with the systems.
4. I have never played burned discs on this unit.
5. The unit was working up until at least a half a year ago, IIRC.
6. I tried cleaning the lens with some lens cleaner and a soft cloth and a Q-Tip. Everyone always suggests that first. Still no luck.
7. I've opened it up and it is the KSS-210A.

Is this a physical/mechanical problem, or an electrical problem with capacitors and such? I don't suppose anyone knows where I can send it off to somewhere in Japan to have it fixed?

I see they sell KSS-210A replacements on Amazon. I wonder if a dingus like me can handle the work? It's just a matter of plugging it in, right?

[greg]

I ordered a replacement laser on Amazon USA. My friend in America is going to send it to me. I will make a video of the process if it works and put it on YouTube if replacing the laser fixes the problem. There's a video already on there, but the guy "cuts to the chase" and doesn't actually show how he did it. Plus, the camera is too far away.

[Lord of Pirates]

Does the lens assembly still move?

[greg]

I can hear it moving, at least. I still haven't received the replacement laser yet. It will come as part of a care package from my friend in Amerikuh.

[Lord of Pirates]

I can hear it moving, at least. I still haven't received the replacement laser yet. It will come as part of a care package from my friend in Amerikuh.

Quickest way to test would be opening it up and moving it out, it should reset when you turn the SCD on. It could be that you need to grease the rail or gears.