Topic: Disc Unreadable After Minutes Of Gameplay (Read 215 times)

DurtySouf · « **on:** May 18, 2011, 04:28:00 PM »

Hello, I have been looking for a result to this problem for about 2 days now. Google search brought me here.

I have an old 360 Pro with a 20GB hard drive. I purchased it from a pawn shop (bad move I know). I am very low on cash right now. I also purchased NBA 2k11 brand new from best Buy.

Everything was good to about 2 days later where I got the "disc is unreadable message) after about 10 minutes of gameplay.

I've tried installing the game to the hard drive but it stops at 30%.

I tried installing another game(Sega Superstars Tennis) to the hard drive and it worked perfectly. I also tried playing it and it worked perfectly.

Could it possibly be the disc or the drive?

Aldanga · « **Reply #1 on:** May 18, 2011, 04:34:00 PM »

As long as the disc isn't scratched or dirty and you have the problem with different discs, it's probably a dying laser. You can do a pot tweak or replace the laser/drive. Lasers are about $8. Drives are between $20 and $45.

DurtySouf · « **Reply #2 on:** May 18, 2011, 06:03:00 PM »

I tried 2 other games and it worked fine..

both of the games were older games... idk

iateshaggy · « **Reply #3 on:** May 18, 2011, 06:33:00 PM »

dying drives can be tricky, they play pick and choose, then all games stop working. new drive fixes things real nice. it could also be your burner going bad or cheap media or some combo of all things mentioned.

Aldanga · « **Reply #4 on:** May 18, 2011, 06:38:00 PM »

All indicators seem to say that he's using retails, not backups.

Your laser is likely on the edge. If the problems continue or get worse, pot tweak or a new laser would be your cheapest options.

iateshaggy · « **Reply #5 on:** May 18, 2011, 07:56:00 PM »

very true, but as usual, the cheaper the fix, the more likely it is to fail.

Aldanga · « **Reply #6 on:** May 18, 2011, 08:14:00 PM »

In regard to the pot tweak, I agree. It's usually just a temporary, hold-me-over solution, which would be applicable according to the OP's statement about his money situation. Definitely not the most recommended solution, but it's something that could last for a few months.

But buying a new laser vs buying a new drive, I think they're about equal in regard to failure possibilities. It's like buying new spark plugs vs buying a new engine. Why spend several times more when you could fix the issue at a much lower price?

DurtySouf · « **Reply #7 on:** May 18, 2011, 08:25:00 PM »

Yes. A Few months would be great for me right about now. I am just struggling with money at the moment. I will be ok in the future. Should I try the pot tweak?

Could you give me more information about it?

Aldanga · « **Reply #8 on:** May 18, 2011, 08:27:00 PM »

There's no guarantee that it'll last that long. It could only last a few days, or a few weeks. It's really pretty random. But you won't know until you try.

Anyway, here's a tutorial.

gamesquest1 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 18, 2011, 08:42:00 PM »

oh and BEST ADVICE EVER if you do use the pot tweak method install the games to the hd and run them from there, it will save extra stain on the already dying laser

oh and if your really brand new to xbox 360 mods and stuff maybe you could try dirtying up the disk a little i know it sounds pretty crazy but i found it used to work a treat on the old ps2's lol not scratch it just get some fingerprints on the disk,

also dont rule out the fact that the disk may actually be faulty, even brand new factory pressed disks *can* have problems so if you wanna make sure before ripping the 360 open try getting a replacement from the store

This post has been edited by gamesquest1: May 19 2011, 03:43 AM

DurtySouf · « **Reply #10 on:** May 18, 2011, 08:49:00 PM »

thank you guys so much...

A few more questions..

If I'm not able to find a solution and it happens to be the laser/drive. Is it possible for me to replace it myself? I have a 360 repairman in my area but It seems cheaper for me to do it myself.

Can I cop a drive/laser off ebay? Is there a certain drive/laser I need?

Further help will be highly appreciated.

I am new to the 360 (I switched from PS3) and I would like to learn more about the system's hardware

Aldanga · « **Reply #11 on:** May 18, 2011, 08:53:00 PM »

You can get replacement lasers for less than $10 on eBay.

It's not that hard to replace a laser if you can use a screwdriver and aren't a complete klutz. As for the model, a quick Google search with your drive and "replacement laser" will produce information on the laser you require.

This post has been edited by Aldanga: May 19 2011, 03:53 AM

gamesquest1 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 18, 2011, 09:35:00 PM »

http://www.llamma.com/xbox360/Xbox_360_DVD..._Comparison.htm

good luck and dont replace the whole drive unless you know how to read/write dvd firmware, and if you have no clue what im talking about, just get the laser and swap it with the broken one, also avoid any second hand ones on ebay, they will probably just be dead lasers with the pot tweaked, look for people who sell lots of them to avoids dead lasers

iateshaggy · « **Reply #13 on:** May 18, 2011, 10:06:00 PM »

you can always swap the pcb from old drive to new and that will make a new drive work.

DurtySouf · « **Reply #14 on:** May 19, 2011, 06:28:00 AM »

alright guys thanks...

I tried the pot tweak.. it didn't work... but in the process the DVD pot broke off lol smh...

Should I purchase a laser or drive off ebay?

I have an hitachi Model 3DR-3120L

What are the success rates of them both?

If I don't go about purchasing one of these I'll just sell the 360 broken and buy a new one

Author Topic: Disc Unreadable After Minutes Of Gameplay (Read 215 times)