Ps2 won't play movies.. only games

[runtheplacered]

When inserting any form of DVD, other then a video game, the machine will make a sound as if it's trying to spin the disc but just refuses. It'll continue to do this until I either take the disc out or shut the system off.

Firstly, I'd like to make it a point to say that I have never modded or even opened my PS2.

Secondly, this PS2 won't play store bought DVD's or burned DVD's. It's the "fatty" PS2 (the older model) and I've definitely had it for awhile. But it'll still play video games without a hiccup.

I've read somewhere that the lenses used in these models weren't the best and eventually they would fail. But, I don't see why it'd still play games if that were the case. I'm sure there's a logical explanation for that, if that's true.

So, can anybody give me any advice that doesn't mean going out and buying a new PS2 (considering I just got a PS3) or going to google(which I've done)? I've posted in the official PS2 forums, but I haven't received a response, so the Escapist was the next place I went. The PS2 would basically be a DVD player for me in my bedroom and it'd be great if I could use it as such. Sony won't fix this, will they? Anything I can do if I get into the PS2 myself and tinker around?

Thanks for listening.

 

[NeedAUserName]

Yours has only just gone like that, mine started doing that about 18 months ago, which prompted me to get a next gen console.

 

[Mariena]

I know next to nothing about consoles.. but I guess the DVD player/reader isn't a standard one you can just buy in the store? If that's (probably) not the case, does Sony sell these units separately?

 

[xitel]

Look around online, there's several tutorials on how to fix it. What happened was, there's a little white gear under the DVD tray that sets the height of the laser head, and over time it can slip to a different height. You have to open the tray and reset it by hand. It's very time consuming and doesn't always work, but more often than not that's your problem. I've fixed my PS2 4 times like that so far.

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

The DVD player is always the first thing to go.

 

[sarahvait]

Are you using the old brick type? I remember that after a while with my old one that it was not only having trouble playing DVDs, but some games as well. I really wanted to play God of War when I bought it, but I just couldn't get my PS2 to do it.

Anyway, the laser reader might be the problem if it's dirty. You might want to crack open your console, get a Q-tip and some alcohol and clean it up a bit. You'll void the warrenty, but oh well. After I did this with mine, it was playing everything just fine.

 

[Zippy1313]

Mine does the same thing. I just use my PS3 now because it up-scales DVDs to 1080 anyways.

 

[runtheplacered]

i have a suggestion.. hahah try buying a ps3.. or a dvd player if you wanna watch movies.. haha or a computer, or replace your ps2 hahah

Apparently reading isn't your strong point. Why would you reply if you're not going to read the opening post?

 

[runtheplacered]

Look around online, there's several tutorials on how to fix it. What happened was, there's a little white gear under the DVD tray that sets the height of the laser head, and over time it can slip to a different height. You have to open the tray and reset it by hand. It's very time consuming and doesn't always work, but more often than not that's your problem. I've fixed my PS2 4 times like that so far.

Hmmm, certainly wouldn't hurt to try, I suppose. I'll google around for this white gear you're talking about and see if I can find a nice tutorial, like you mentioned. I appreciate it.

 

[mokes310]

Wow, that thing lasted quite a while. You should bronze that thing and put it on your wall.

In any case, it's time to move on my friend. There's really nothing that you can do in this situation. That is, unless you know how to disassemble a PS2 and repair the lens yourself...

 

[runtheplacered]

That is, unless you know how to disassemble a PS2 and repair the lens yourself...

Well, it sounds interesting to try at least. Not so much actually repairing the lens. But cleaning it out and tinkering around in it a little and checking the gears like somebody mentioned earlier.

 

[mokes310]

That is, unless you know how to disassemble a PS2 and repair the lens yourself...

Well, it sounds interesting to try at least. Not so much actually repairing the lens. But cleaning it out and tinkering around in it a little and checking the gears like somebody mentioned earlier.

It's worth a try at least, and who knows, you might actually learn something that'll help later on in life

 

[nathan-dts]

The DVD player is always the first thing to go.

Yep, DVD player or hell, buy another PS2; not like they cost much anymore.

 

[xitel]

Look around online, there's several tutorials on how to fix it. What happened was, there's a little white gear under the DVD tray that sets the height of the laser head, and over time it can slip to a different height. You have to open the tray and reset it by hand. It's very time consuming and doesn't always work, but more often than not that's your problem. I've fixed my PS2 4 times like that so far.

Oh yes, that bloody white gear. Mine actually broke places after I dropped it down the stairs (as did about half of the cover) and now it only plays 2 or 3 of my ps2 games. Mind you, I consider it lucky that it plays any at all xD.

Umm... I think the problem is that you DROPPED IT DOWN THE STAIRS. You can probably find a new one for about $50 anyways.

 

[zirnitra]

the easiest solution would just be to buy a crappy generic dvd player I've seen them going for about £9 before.