Need help repairing LiteOn DVD drive

[modtang]

My LiteOn drive has basically died. Gradually it stopped playing DVDs and only read data CDs (handy for a DVD drive, no). The drawer stoped closing properly the other day so I opened the drive and tried to figure out why. I've fixed other drives but I can't figure out what's stopping this one from closing. Actually, it won't open all the way either. It's stuck permanently in this position where it's open about 1cm. When I hook it up to the power it just tries to open and close without managing to do either.

Does anyone know how to fix these things or should I throw it out and get a new one?

BTW, it's just out of warranty. Methinks LiteOn DVD ROM = piece of crap!

[pharlap]

sounds like the front gears of the draw have been put out of whack you can adjust these pretty easy or the drive belt is stuffed

[Poppa_Meth]

if it's having laser problems as well as the mechanical problems I wouldn't even bother with tryin to fix it. you can get a new one for around $30. the Lite-on 166 is suppose to be good. I've had nothing but bad luck myself with lite-on. I picked up a samsung 616 and have had no problems at all with it.

[Craig Tucker]

I just bought 4 liteon 52x CD drives for £11.01 each plus vat. So I would not bother messing with it, just buy a new one.

[modtang]

Yeah, I can get a new one for $50 AU but I'm into fixing things. I'm pretty sure there's something going on with the gears in the front. If anyone has any more info on dealing with that, please let me know. Like I said, it's not the money thing, I just have the urge to get it working again. Probably going to fork out for a DVD burner in the next couple of weeks anyway.