DVD Recorder Won't Read Discs?

Question

My DVD Recorder (Insignia NS-DRVCR) will no longer read ANY discs, including lens cleaning discs and blank discs. It still says "No Disc." Is it possible that the lens has gotten out of alignment? If so, is there any way to get it back into alignment without taking it in for repairs?

Any other ideas as to what I need to do?

Answer 1

Actually might just be a dirty laser lens.  <WARNING> Doing this has the possibility of breaking it.  Power off, unplug the DVD machine.  Detach the housing of the recorder, usually just a few screws.  Locate the laser lens. Should be located on a small block of electronics, connected to a pair of slide rails.  Looks like a small, glass circle.  Use a Q-tip and alcohol to gently swab the lens. Put back together and try again.

Answer 2

If it doesn't read any discs - including commercial DVDs - and cleaning the lens doesn't fix the problem it may need a new lens unit and possibly a new digital board.  Most likely it will have to be serviced.