Dreamcast disc reading issues

[Manic]

I'm in need of some help. When trying to play games on my Dreamcast (I only found 2 discs, a racing game, and Sonic Adventure), it only reads the racing game on occasion, while Sonic Adventure doesn't read at all, and there's no scratches visible on the games. I go to "play" on the main menu, it then does the "insert a game" prompt, and I press A, and nothing happens. It doesn't read burned games, either, even though the date of the system is the version before they wouldn't be able to read burnt discs. I'm not sure what might be the problem.. Is it the disc reader itself, or is it something else?

[The King Sic-1™]

I'm in need of some help. When trying to play games on my Dreamcast (I only found 2 discs, a racing game, and Sonic Adventure), it only reads the racing game on occasion, while Sonic Adventure doesn't read at all, and there's no scratches visible on the games. I go to "play" on the main menu, it then does the "insert a game" prompt, and I press A, and nothing happens. It doesn't read burned games, either, even though the date of the system is the version before they wouldn't be able to read burnt discs. I'm not sure what might be the problem.. Is it the disc reader itself, or is it something else?

bro i have no idea how to fix this problem.... but it makes me miss my Dreamcast!

[Mugendude26]

Did you try cleaning the lens with a dry Q-Tip? It always works for me when my Sega Dreamcast doesn't read the discs.

[Manic]

Just tried right now, nothing happened.

[C.R.O.M. jodafro619]

what disc are you using? I use memorex and they seem to work just fine. but then again it just might be the file itself. try finding the game from another source.

[Manic]

I'm using Sony DVD+R's, which I use for GCN and Wii ISOs, and I'm not sure if it's the files, or the system. Like I said, not even the retail discs work sometimes. I really am curious as to what is wrong.

[MaverickZr0]

I didn't know Dreamcast could read DVD-Rs? 

[Manic]

No wonder. I guess I need CD-R's for this, then.

[Swiziga]

yeah, if ur using backups its needs to be on a cdr. u also need to remember to use overburn if the file is bigger than 700mb

[Tenspeed]

yeah, but if it isn't even reading retail games, thats not going tofix the problem.

[DARKTALBAIN]

Yeah, Dreamcast used cd's as it's media source. But it was a GD-Rom. Somehow they figured out a way to squeeze more onto the disc. Not all programs will burn those files correctly. Nero is hit or miss. Prassi works well most of the time. I found DiscJuggler to be 100% effective since back when DC first came out.

But to me it sounds like the drive is dying anyway, since it won't read anything besides maybe one game on a fluke. Time to buy a new system. You can usually pick one up for $25.00 tops at a  used store. .

[Tenspeed]

thinkgeek sells brand new, boxed ones for a hundred. overpriced, but at least its brand new.

[Skullgrin]

Look up a tutorial online. It sounds like you need to recalibrate your laser lens. Basically what you have to do is take the Dreamcast apart, locate the screw that handles the lens calibration and mark it with a Sharpie. That's to know the position. Then you make micro adjustments in one direction, put it back together and test it. If it doesn't work in one direction, put it back to the original position it was in and turn the screw the other way in micro adjustments.

If it's at the point to where it won't read legit discs it's either the laser lenses going out or needing to be recalibrated. The tutorial I used had pictures and I had never taken a system apart and after recalibrating it, it worked like brand new. Worst case scenario is you screw something up and have to buy a new one. You're already considering doing that, so you really have nothing to lose.