i have a box set of dvds they are all compatable with my player, the problem is some work okay but others do not, they load but then what comes on the tv screen is (1) no disc. or (2) unknown disc, and then a circle with a line through it, this is also the case with other dvds. any thoughts, and if so what would you think it would cost to repair. many thanks. (ps) i have tried a dvd disc cleaner but the same happens as above.

Most likely the laser having a problem reading the disks - won't be worth repairing when you can buy a branded DVD player for £ 30.

Have to agree with AlanO. Sounds like the laser has had it.

If you can get inside the box and get up close and personal with the laser lens you might be able to clean it better than using a disk. If you can get at the laser then a gentle wipe with a barely damp cotton bud (water is OK but Isopropyl Alcohol is better) then finish off with a clean bud. There doesn't need to be visible gunge on the laser to stop it working either.

But chances are even with a good clean it might still be shot. Especially if it won't read commercially made DVDs which are far more reflective than recordable media.

It could be the laser, but equally it could be the disc motor. Don't write-off the machine just yet.

I have just repaired a Cambridge Audio DV99 that was exhibiting the same symptoms. When I took the lid off to look at cleaning the laser mech I noticed that discs weren't spinning up after loading. This normally happens so that the player can assess the type of disc (CD/DVD/blank - if appropriate).

Starting the disc spinning by hand was enough help to get the player to spin it and then it was read and played just fine. Try the same yourself as long as you're careful not to touch any of the circuits or internal wiring.

does any other player play them?