Why did my CD writer stop reading blank disks but still read any other disk?

Question

windows xp sp2,old(2001), hp, i used to burn cds but now it won't even read a blank anymore it can read any other cd that has something on it. i've tried every type of blank disk there is and it still won't work. it keeps saying "disk not formatted" or "no disk in drive" could someone please help me!!

Answer 1

It's dirty.
Get a cleaning disk- although it may not do the trick, then take it aart and clean he laser and lense. I can't find a howto right now, but they're out there.