The Compact Disc (CD) Won't Play (2024)

FAQs

The Compact Disc (CD) Won't Play? ›

If the disc still will not play, depending on the location of your CD player, the issue can also be caused by condensation. Open the disc compartment and let the unit sit for about one hour to allow any condensation to dissipate. If the unit does not play any of the discs, the laser pick up may be dirty.

A dirty or scratched disc surface is the most common reason for a CD/DVD issue when inserted into a computer. Check the disc for damage and confirm that the disc is compatible with your computer. Clean the disc and check for damage: Clean any dust or smudges from the disc with filtered water and a lint free cloth.

Verify the disc is inserted into the CD player properly. The disc may eject if inserted upside down. Press the RESET button on the front of the car stereo. Try a couple of different discs just to make sure there is not a problem with the disc that you are trying to play.

If the disc still will not play, depending on the location of your CD player, the issue can also be caused by condensation. Open the disc compartment and let the unit sit for about one hour to allow any condensation to dissipate. If the unit does not play any of the discs, the laser pick up may be dirty.

Apply a very thin coat of Vaseline, chap-stick, liquid car wax, neutral shoe polish, or furniture wax to the CD's playing surface. Let the wax sit in the scratches for a few minutes—remember, the idea is for the wax to fill in the scratch so it can be read again. Wipe away the excess wax.

Check the Disc

Clean your discs – Grime and dirt can make it hard for the drive laser to read small groves located on your disc. If the disc is dirty, you can try cleaning it with filter water and a clean cloth; or better yet, a specialized disc cleaning solution and cloth can be purchased in most electronic stores.

Fingerprints, smudges, scratches, dirt, dust, solvents, moisture, and any other foreign material can interfere with the ability of the laser to read the data. They can also interfere with the ability of the laser to follow the data track in the disc.

In most instances water will suffice as a cleaning agent. If water does not remove everything then a more powerful cleaner such as isopropyl alcohol can be used, but this should only be used in the most extreme of cases.

Why did my CD player suddenly stop working? ›

If a CD player does not work at all, make sure the power supply is on at the outlet. Check the electrical cord and replace it if necessary; remove the housing and test the fuse; test the on-off switch and replace it if needed.

Toothpaste Method

Make sure to use non-abrasive toothpaste, such as baking soda toothpaste, and rinse the disc thoroughly with water when you're done. The mild abrasive action of the toothpaste will help to remove the surface layer of the scratch and restore the disc's reflectivity.

If you know the disc isn't blank, check whether the data surface is damaged. There will be obvious scratches if the disc is too damaged to read; if there's any doubt, then the surface is probably not damaged enough to be unreadable. An excessively scratched disc will not be read by any device.

A dirty or scratched disc surface is the most common reason for a CD/DVD issue when inserted into a computer. Check the disc for damage and confirm that the disc is compatible with your computer. Clean the disc and check for damage: Clean any dust or smudges from the disc with filtered water and a lint free cloth.

Verify that the disc is inserted correctly, with the playback side of the disc facing down in the disc tray. If the disc is dirty with fingerprints or smudges, or if the disc is scratched or broken, the player may not recognize the disc, clean the disc using a soft, dry cloth.

If your CD is skipping, you can give it a proper clean using a clean microfiber cloth. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before beginning. If you have tougher grime, add a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. Swipe from the center of the CD to the edge to avoid scratching it.

Blow or wipe any loose dust from the surface of the disc.

Use a canister of compressed air to dislodge the dust without having to touch the disc. If you don't have any compressed air handy, you can also brush it off gently using a soft, lint-free cloth. Then, try playing the disc.