Farking laptop cd/dvd drive!!!

[AmbulanceDriver]

Ok.  here's the back story.  I've got an HP DV2000 laptop that I got a couple years back.  The dvd drive started acting up a while back, and now it's getting so it can't read more than a few files from a CD before losing tracking.  I can get it to read a few more files by opening the drive, removing the disc, and manually moving the laser assembly to the outside of the track.  Then a couple minutes later it starts searching back and forth trying to regain tracking...  And the cycle keeps repeating.

I know, I just need to pony up and replace it. 

But I just needed to rant. 

[mike]

And now you feel better, Right?

[RocketMan]

Try carefully cleaning the laser.  Otherwise, not much you can do but replace it.

[AmbulanceDriver]

Mike, a little, yeah.   But I won't really feel better until I get rid of the stupid thing....   I'd feel much better if I could take the old drive and use it as a clay pigeon, but I don't wanna have to clean up after making that kind of mess....

Rocketman, I've tried cleaning it.  Sadly, I believe it's a mechanical issue with the drive.  Fortunately, I've found replacement drives for about 80 bucks.  As opposed to the 225-250 that HP would want for said drive.

[Calumus]

Hey man, give something like this a try
http://cgi.ebay.com/HP-DV2000-DVD-RW-DL-Super-Multi-Lightscribe-Drive-65_W0QQitemZ290262513666QQihZ019QQcategoryZ131543QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Nothing wrong with buying ebay parts for older machines, especially when it saves you some coin. Cheers,
Shawn