Question

PSP - "The disc could not be read"

Asked by: Javin007

My PSP was working just fine, when one day it suddenly locked up during game play.  After a reboot, I got the "Blue Screen of Death."  Pressing O, I got it to boot up, however when it got to the wavy line screen, it would just stay there, lines waving, and no icons would ever come up.

Finally, I found that by removing the UMD in from the PSP, it would boot up completely, and seemed to work normally.  However, once I placed the UMD into the slot, and rebooted, it did the same wavy line, no icon thing.

If I place the UMD in while it's booted up, you'll hear it spinning the UMD up and after about two minutes, it will give you "The disc could not be read" error.  

This happens with ALL UMDs (I own 8.)  I've had people tell me everything from removing the battery, to replacing the motherboard.  Before I go any further, I need to know EXACTLY what's wrong so I'm not wasting my money.  Here's hoping a PSP technician is listening.

-Javin

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Asked On
2007-07-11 at 23:34:47ID22690920
Tags

psp

,

read

,

could

,

disc

,

Handheld Game Consoles

,

PSP

Topics

Video Game Consoles

,

Miscellaneous Games

Participating Experts
5
Points
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Comments
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Answers

 

by: BarthaxPosted on 2007-07-12 at 08:26:19ID: 19472786

Does this continue to occur if you have no memory card in the slot?

 

by: Javin007Posted on 2007-07-12 at 08:42:48ID: 19472955

Yep.  I have tried it with and without one.

 

by: JstncasePosted on 2007-07-12 at 13:52:53ID: 19476090

Sounds like the laser is shot and wont read UMDs anymore. Trying giving it a newer/older firmware via USB connection. Confirm none of the discs are scratched. PSP has nothing obstructing where the discs goes in and reads from. Is there anything lose in the PSP when you move it?

 

by: Javin007Posted on 2007-07-12 at 14:01:32ID: 19476169

Did all that, no go, and no, nothing loose, although the laser DOES make a very slight (and odd) "grinding" noise when it's spinning up the discs.  Could very well be the problem, but exactly what I didn't want to hear.  :/

Any idea how to get ahold of the nearest PSP repair shop in Maryland?

 

by: MASQUERAIDPosted on 2007-07-12 at 14:08:06ID: 19476222

There's one in Sandy Spring, MD
http://psptechnicalwizard.com/locations.html

 

by: JstncasePosted on 2007-07-12 at 14:23:00ID: 19476340

Or if you have a little more time, or feel like the fix-it-yourself kinda person. I like to use Divineo http://www.divineo.com/cgi-bin/div-us/search.html

They have parts/supplies and other items for all consoles and handhelds. Which BTW a new/replacement lens is about $25

 

by: Javin007Posted on 2007-07-12 at 19:42:08ID: 19477979

Okay, first, are we SURE it's gotta be the lens before I drop $25 for a new one?  And I'll be splitting the points up for all the help.

 

by: JstncasePosted on 2007-07-13 at 08:23:39ID: 19481715

I personally can't give you a 100% that it is the laser/lens. Can you call the place in maryland and if its not too far take it to them in person to confirm? I don't want you going off spending money unless you are absolutely sure as well.

 

by: jackfoodPosted on 2008-01-11 at 19:37:44ID: 20642633

1) This is most probably due to corrupted firmware/data that was created while reboot that make the PSP unable to turn on the laser beam of the UMD drive.

Just like PC, most of the time, you quick-reboot the PC by pressing reset button, the PC won't have error. But once in a while, the PC may not be able to enter windows because of corruption data.

You can try upgrading your firmware to see whether ti works again.

2) The laser beam or one of the resistor may have burned out. Electrical devices will fail without notice anytime of the day.

Try to replace a laser beam for your PSP.

 

by: Javin007Posted on 2008-01-13 at 09:57:43ID: 20648425

I'm fairly certain it can't be a firmware issue as I've replaced the firmware a few dozen times.  Unfortunately, it does look like it's going to be a hardware issue.

 

by: Rich5578Posted on 2008-09-05 at 05:11:59ID: 22397783

9 times out of 10 this is the laser at fault, especialy if the PSP has been dropped. If you want to fix it yourself it's possible but if you are doing it for the first time I advise you to buy a UMD door aswell. You will need a small philiips head screwdriver, a small flat point screwdriver (for lifting some parts like the screen, and removing the UMD door) a soldering iron and some solder wick. Make sure you have plenty of space and lay your screws out in order of removal. You can get laser assemblies for around £10.00 to £15.00 depending on where you look.

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