Sega CD not reading any discs.

[88strider]

So I finally got the AC adapter so I can use my Sega CD2 and the thing just won't read any discs. The discs spin, but the unit just makes a grinding sound. I opened it and noticed that the lens never moves although just the lens itself moves slightly like it's trying to read the disc while making a clicking sound . Also there is a large white plastic gear that has about three teeth that are pretty worn. I turned the gear to move the lens all way up. Whenever I do that and turn the console on it will reset the lens to its lowest point easily and then never move from there so I'm not really really sure if that gear is a problem. I'm not the most tech savvy person so any help is greatly appreciated.

I just noticed something that I probably should have from the start. Whenever I turn on the Sega CD whether it be opened or closed with a cd or not it will always say "reading disc". Out of the 20 or so times I turned on the system with a music cd inside it would go to the cd player screen but would say "No Discs". I cannot access that screen if the system is empty. I've never used a sega CD before but shouldn't it allow me to go to the cd player screen when the system is open or the tray is empty like a PS1 or Dreamcast?

[Guntz]

You can access the CD player menu by pressing A, B or C on the main SCD boot screen, pressing start will make the system get to the game quicker.

Can you tell if the laser ever lights up? If it doesn't, then you'd do good replacing it.

[88strider]

The console just never seems to stop trying to read a disc whether it's there or not. If I push a button it just says "please wait" and then keeps trying to read the disc. The laser does turn kinda red. Is that what you mean?

[Guntz]

well if it lights up, it's probably still working, but it might be too worn out to read anything properly. Just because the Sega CD BIOS screen says "reading disc", doesn't mean it is always reading the disc. Listen for the laser sled moving up and down it's rails. That's a good indicator of function. If it's not moving, the motor might be burnt out, or the gear mechanisms aren't working properly.

[SDFcommander]

Did you get the right power adapter? It sounds like something that happened to me. The Sega CD is very particular. "Universal" 3rd party Sega Genesis 1 adapters don;t work. Make sure you have an official, first party Sega Genesis Model 1 power adapter for the Sega CD.