OK, long story short, I got a boxed Model 1 Sega CD today from a guy on Craigslist for $120, and paid another $40 for Night Trap and Dragon's Lair. Hadn't tested it in years, but said it worked when he last used it. Well, hooked it up to my Model 1 Genesis and got it to power up after bridging a fuse (it's temp, I know I'm ordering a fuse). Says 1992 Sega Ver. 1.10. Then put a CD in. Tray closed, then opened back up 2 or seconds later. Label of the CD was not moved, indicating it doesn't spin.
Put more CD's in, including a music CD. Same problem. Well, before I gave up, as soon as the tray closed, I lifted the Genesis/CD-ROM an half inch from the front off the table and let go (it didn't slam hard). Well, it started reading! Game played fine.
Powered off and tried another game. Same problem, but the same solution also worked. Obviously I don't want to do this every time I turn it on, so any idea what the problem can be? I doubt the lens is the issue, because it doesn't spin at all unless hit exactly when the door closes. Any ideas?