I am so sad. I have owned my Dreamcast since launch in the USA and never had to adjust my laser or do any maintenance, but now the dreaded disc read error has happened. To make matters worse a second American console I own started doing it too on the same day! I knew it was too good to be true that I would never have any issues with my Dreamcasts, but I just wanted to play Space Channel 5. :crying: Oh well - I guess I will play Sewer Shark on Sega CD - on second thought I am going to go get my screwdriver and see if I can fix these guys or just play the Japanese version of the game.
You're writing it off already? First things first - clean the lens! You can get wet CD lens cleaning kits which should work, or if you're very careful you could fluff up the tip of a cotton bud and use that. As replacement lasers are a bit thin on the ground, why not just replace the Dreamcast? You can puck them up cheap enough now!
I took my launch Dreamcast and opened her up. I loosened the calibration (???) screw for the laser. So far this has allowed it to start reading discs again without turning my machine upside down. I have to try it out for the long haul though. I was only able to try it out for a few minutes last night because I had to get to bed so I could get to work this morning. I might try cleaning the laser - I just need to pick up a kit. I could buy another one - which I will end up doing - but I am so picky with used consoles. Maybe I will splurge and find someone who is selling a sealed unit.
