My PS3 40GB Won't Read Discs

Try different discs--CDs, DVDs and games--on the console to see if the problem is with a particular disc or all of them. If the problem is with a particular disc, examine the disc that is unreadable. The PS3 may not be able to read a scratched or smudged disc when played. If you see smudges on the disc, youcan clean the disc with a lint-free cleaning cloth made for cleaning discs.

Check the disc to make sure that it is compatible with your PS3 system. If you want to play a PS2 game, only models CECHA01, CECHB01 and CECHE01 are backward compatible with PS2 software. The PlayStation support site features a lookup tool that allows visitors to check a PS2 game's compatibility with the PS3.

Delete data for a particular game and reinstall that game: Go to "Game" under the "XMB" screen and select "Game Data Utility." Under "Game Data Utility," select the game data for the game you are trying to play and press the "Triangle" button on your controller to delete the data. When the game data has been successfully deleted, reinsert the disc and reinstall the game.

Restore the PS3 to its default settings if the PS3 isn't able to read any discs. Go to "Settings," and then "System Settings." Under "System Settings," select "Restore Default Settings" and press the "X" button on your controller to restore the settings. Once the operation has been completed, the initial setup screen will appear.

Go through the initial setup process again and test the PS3. If the problem persists, you may need to replace your PS3.