How to Fix a No-Disc Error on a DVD Player

By Editorial Team

Updated September 15, 2017

Items you will need

  • Isopropyl alcohol

  • Lens cleaning disc

Tired of seeing the no-disc error every time you try to watch a movie? No-disc errors are usually caused when the DVD or the laser-lens pickup has become dirty and causes the DVD player to not be able to read the DVD. Follow these steps to find out how to fix a no-disc error on a DVD player.

Check the disc you're using for scratches and dirt. If the disc is damaged it won't play properly, regardless of the DVD player's ability to function. You can use a DVD repair device like the "Disc Doctor" to repair the DVD or purchase a new DVD.

Make sure the discs you're using fit the correct format specified by your DVD player. For example, if your DVD player doesn't support home-burned DVD-R's, then you can't use a DVD that you made at home. You may need to upgrade to a newer model, most of which accept the latest DVD formats.

Clean the laser lens with a DVD laser lens cleaning disc. DVD laser lens cleaning discs can be purchased at most electronics retailers or online. Insert the laser lens cleaning disc and follow the instructions.

Insert a correctly-formatted, undamaged disc into your player. Listen to see if it begins to read the disc. If it continues to make no sound and gives you the same message, then the problem is probably that your disc is not spinning in the device.

Turn the device off and unplug it. Take off the outer casing by removing the three or four screws and lifting the top piece off. This will allow you to see if anything is simply stuck or jammed. If this is the case, a simple nudge back to the correct position will fix the problem.

Clean the lens while the DVD player is open. A dirty lens is most likely the cause of your no-disc error. The lens should be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab.

Take your DVD player to have it professionally fixed only when none of these other solutions solves the problem. A professional repair technician will be able to tell you if fixing your DVD player is worth the money.

Tips

If you open the DVD player and find you don't know anything about what you see, it might be best to have a professional take a look at it instead.

Warnings

Always keep the DVD player unplugged when you open it up. If a DVD player's spindle or laser lens are damaged, it's usually cheaper to purchase a new DVD player.

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