Model 1 Sega CD problem

[gumbyandpals]

I just bought a front-loading sega cd. It powered up just fine so I was happy. However, it only plays audio cd's. If I put a sega cd game in, the access light blinks and I can hear it read the disc and the "press start button" message never comes up. Also, when it plays audio cd's the audio is very scratchy sounding when output both throught the genesis and the jacks on the back of the sega cd.

Does anyone have experience with these and have suggestions of where to begin looking for the problem?

[ApolloBoy]

Try cleaning the expansion port on the Genesis and the connector on the Sega CD. That's what I would do first before taking apart the Sega CD.

[FABombjoy]

Sounds like a laser issue. It might just be dirty.

[omnedon]

Are you testing with original SEGACD's or CDr's?

[gumbyandpals]

The first thing I did was to clean the contacts on the expansion port. I've also tried connecting another genesis that I own and had the same problem

The laser looks clean but just in case, any suggestions for cleaning it? I have one those radioshack discs with the cleaning brushes on it.

Yes, I am using original Sega cd's for testing.

another interesting thing: It won't let me listen to the audio tracks from my sega cd games that have them. The cd player won't even recognize the disc is there. It recognizes normal audio cd's only.

[ApolloBoy]

Try going over the lens with some rubbing alcohol, that should clear it up.

[gumbyandpals]

I tried cleaning the lens but there was no difference. Are there any parts that could go bad over time? This has been sitting unused for quite some time. I'm not afraid to open it up and hunt down the problem, but I would appreciate suggestions on where to start.

[ASSEMblerEX]

I tried cleaning the lens but there was no difference. Are there any parts that could go bad over time? This has been sitting unused for quite some time. I'm not afraid to open it up and hunt down the problem, but I would appreciate suggestions on where to start.

Can it read the music tracks on a game disc? If so, the laser if fine, and the problem lies with the mainboard inside somehow....

[gumbyandpals]

another interesting thing: It won't let me listen to the audio tracks from my sega cd games that have them. The cd player won't even recognize the disc is there. It recognizes normal audio cd's only.

As stated above.