Hi,

I bought a new Compaq Armada 1520DM laptop around 1997. A few years
ago, it started to have difficultly reading a CD rom, or playing an audio CD.
However, once the CD was "accessed", there was no problem "reading" or
"playing" (audio) the CD. Note: I have not used the CD drive very often.

The problem relates to inserting the CD, and getting the initial
information, which I assume is on the outer most track. Sometimes, I have to
insert the CD several times (and wait) before the CD is finally "accessible"
(I hear the "spin up" sound, I know from now on, the CD is accessible).
Other times, it isn't accessible (doesn't "spin up" to full speed).

I had removed the CD rom drive (note: I am a TV service tech) and checked
the head movement freedom to the outer edge and I found no "interference"
or no physical reason the head can't "reach" that position.

Any information about what might cause this problem will be greatly
appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Brad

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