I do not know if you have solved your problem but you can replace the optical pickup unit. It is the laser and motor assembly. I have done just that myself. But the problem is that the replacement motor, ordered from Sears Parts and Service 800-366-7278, is a substitute part for the unit. It will play CDs but not DVDs. There is a BIOS update for the unit that can be downloaded. I found it oncew before but did not bother to download it. I should have though. I am trying to find it again to download. I have read once this is done the repalcement unit will work. It was about 75 dollars for the assembly.