Can't get a Sega CD Model 1 to read discs correctly

[toploaderleo]

I'm not sure if I'm missing something but I've replaced lasers in plenty of other consoles, Saturns, PS2 Slims, even the X'Eye but for some reason I cannot get a Model 1 Sega CD to work right. I got one that freezes on the Sonic Sega screen & won't play any games EXCEPT Sega Classics but I know it isn't working right with that because it stutters. I've tried several replacement lasers, adjusting the pots, & replacing the belt just to be sure. Nothing.

[homerhomer]

Are you using burned discs? My Sega CD Gen1 doesn't play burned discs that well but work great with original media.

[segasonicfan]

I'm not sure if I'm missing something but I've replaced lasers in plenty of other consoles, Saturns, PS2 Slims, even the X'Eye but for some reason I cannot get a Model 1 Sega CD to work right. I got one that freezes on the Sonic Sega screen & won't play any games EXCEPT Sega Classics but I know it isn't working right with that because it stutters. I've tried several replacement lasers, adjusting the pots, & replacing the belt just to be sure. Nothing.

That sounds really frustrating. If it boots and plays any game, it's unlikely that your issue is the laser. How does it do with audio CD's though? The thing about Sega Classics as it's mostly loading data / TOC and not CD audio.

The next logical step would probably be replacing capacitors. However, I would also check the switches for the CD drive, they fail pretty often and I had a hell of a time repairing mine. There are certain behaviors for the seeking that you should look out for too. Maybe it just can't load more than track one because it's having seek issues, in which case you might have a problem with your drive motor or tracking gain.