How to Fix a PSP UMD Drive

The PSP has a mechanical drive that rotates an optical disc which is inserted into it. This drive can be affected by the operating system during normal use and then fail to start up the next time the PSP is turned on and a disc is inserted into it. Fixing the UMD drive so that it will once again work takes just a couple of hours and will not affect the warranty or damage the PSP in any way.

Turn on the PSP by sliding the power switch to the on position and then releasing it. Go to the Settings menu from the Home screen and select System Settings>UMD AutoStart>On. Turn off the PSP using the power switch.

Pick up the PSP and release the latch so that the lid of the UMD drive opens. Hold the PSP upside down to dislodge any loose dirt from inside of the drive. Take the camel's hair brush and blow any dust or debris from inside of the UMD drive. Take the lint free cloth and gently wipe around the edges of the lid of the UMD drive to remove any loose dirt. Do the same on the PSP where the lid meets the back of the console's case.

Close the lid of the UMD drive and put the PSP down on the clean cloth face down. Open the battery compartment and remove the battery. Clean out the battery compartment with the lint free cloth. Clean the battery contacts on the battery using the lint free cloth.

Pick up the PSP and release the latch so that the lid of the UMD drive opens. Insert a UMD disc into the UMD drive and close the lid by pressing gently on the back of the lid so that it closes. Put the PSP face down on the clean cloth and insert the battery back into the battery compartment. Close the battery compartment.

Turn the PSP over so that it is face up on the clean cloth. Insert the power supply into the PSP and charge the PSP for at least an hour. Remove the power supply and pick up the PSP. Turn the PSP on using the power switch. Access the UMD disc from the "Home" menu and play the disc.