By all means, try cleaning the laser lens first.

Easy way, pick up a lens cleaning CD (places like Radio Shack, etc.) and follow the directions. This has the advantage of being able to perform the cleaning without any disassembly, simply insert the cleaning disk and run it. Typically these use carbon fiber brushes to clean the lens.

If you don't mind removing the drive and its case covers, you can clean the lens using nothing more than a spot of Windex or equivalent ammonia based window cleaner applied to the head of a cotton swab. Let dry thoroughly, reassemble covers, reinstall drive and test again.


--Mac