Xbox Will Not Recognize Any Disc

Open the Xbox

• 1

  Disconnect all cables from your Xbox and flip it over. Locate the star screws underneath the serial number stickers of your console.

• 2

  Remove the two screws behind the stickers and then the four on each corner of the bottom of the console using the star screwdriver T20. Peel back the rubber feet of the console to get to the screws. Place the screws in a cup so you don't lose them.

• 3

  Flip the Xbox right side up and squeeze the vents on the sides as you lift the top off, exposing the inner parts beneath, including the DVD drive on the left and the HDD on the right.

• 4

  Unscrew the screw under the IDE cable on the metal bridge between the HDD and the DVD drive using the star T10 screwdriver. Then remove the two screws near the front of the DVD drive using the same screwdriver.

• 5

  Unplug the two cables connected to the back of the DVD drive and then lift the DVD drive out. It doesn't come out easily, so wiggle it or straighten it out to remove it from the console.

Cleaning the Drive

• 6

  Unscrew the four screws holding together the DVD drive using the star T10 screwdriver. Two screws are on the rear on each side and two are on the top on each side.

• 7

  Flip the drive over so that the bottom is facing upward and pull the metal tab in the rear over the cable connector until it snaps off. Pull it up and off. Push down on the two metal catches on the side and turn the drive upward until it slips off. This exposes the laser lens.

• 8

  Blow any heavy dust off the laser lens with the compressed air blower, and then wipe the lens down with a cotton swab dampened with lens cleaning solution. The cleaning solution is typically made with isopropyl alcohol, which evaporates almost immediately.

• 9

  Reassemble the Xbox the same way you disassembled it and play a game disc. If it still doesn't work, you'll need to either replace the machine or have it professionally serviced.