If dust isn't the problem, then an inproper amount of voltage going to your
PS2's laser is. You must fix this by finding two silver screws nestled deep
within the PS2's inner workings. One of these screws alters the amount of CD
voltage, and the other alters the amount of DVD voltage. If your PS2 only has
problems with CD-based games, you'll only want to tamper with the CD screw, and
vice-versa if your DVD games don't work. If your PS2 won't play anything,
you'll have to tamper with both!
However, this method for repairing the problem depends on which model number
your PS2 has. To find out what model number your PS2 is, read the General
Questions section. If your model number has "SCPH-30001" *ANYWHERE* in it, go
to section 6.2. If not, read on...
6.1 - Adjusting the voltage
Section forthcoming...
6.2 - Adjusting the voltage for PS2 model SCPH-30001 (Version 4)
Cost efficiency - 4/5
Convenience - 1/5
Effectiveness - 5/5
Tools you will need:
1. Phillips screwdriver
2. Very small Phillips screwdriver (same as above)
3. Exacto knife
First, unplug all of the PS2's cables, and take the back expansion bay cover
off of your PS2 and flip your console upside-down. Take all of the screw
covers off of the bottom of your machine. If you're having trouble getting
some of the screw covers off, use a flathead screwdriver to pry them off. Now,
take the screws out. Not all of the screws are the same sizes as each other,
so try to remember where they originally went. Now, you'll notice that you
cannot take the system apart because of a large sticker on the backside of the
machine. DO NOT TAKE THIS STICKER OFF! If you do, it will leave "Void" marks
all over your machine where the sticker once was. Use your exacto knife to cut
the grooves in this sticker so that the system can come apart. Now, remove the
bottom part of the PS2 (the smaller part) from the top part. Be very careful
when doing this, as there's a ribbon wire connecting the two pieces together
that will ruin the machine if it is ripped or torn. Now, there are two screws
that hold a metal cover and the expansion bay down. Remove the screws and the
metal cover and expansion bay. The expansion bay cannot be removed entirely
because of another ribbon wire. Now, here's the hard part. While you are
still holding the expansion bay, you have to adjust the two silver screws.
They are recessed inside a cover but you can see them and get to them with the
screwdriver. One of them and adjusts the CD voltage and one of them adjusts
the DVD voltage. How do you tell them apart? If the front of the PS2 is
facing you, the left screw is the CD screw. Turn the screw you want about two
degrees clockwise, then plug everything back in, load the problem disc and turn
the PS2's power on. If the game still doesn't work, power everything down,
unplug everything, and turn the screw and additional two degrees to the right
and try the problem disc again. Keep repeating this method until you find the
right spot. When your games work, put everything back together and enjoy!