Lite-On LDW-451S failing

[louv68]

I have perhaps burned 500-600 DVD's mostly DVD-R's with no problems.
I have owned the unit for about 18 months and it has started to burn bad discs. When playing back the discs, I get tons of macro-blocks and artifacting. I have never had this issue. I have used TDK, Prodisc, Ridata, Phillips, Fuji, Verbatim with no problems since I last updated the firmware. My old burns play fine, but not the new ones. Is it possible for the laser to have gone bad so soon? How can I test if this is the case? I don't mind spending $70 for a new one, but if I don't have to, all the better.

Thanks,

[MJA]

did u try to clean the len?

[louv68]

I have not tried cleaning the lens. Some on this forum have stated that the best way is to disassemble the drive. Some say to used pressurized air. Other's say to not use it as it just blows air around inside the drive.
And then some say to use a disc cleaner disc while others say to stay clear away from those. What is my best option? I'm not losing any sleep over this, but it would be nice to correct this problem without having to unnecessarily spend cash on another drive. The drive is only a year and a half old. I would think it would last at least a few years with regular use.