Non -playing CD - any ideas

[adonirum]

Bought some new CD's recently and whilst doing some gardening decided to play them on a portable CD player (yes, I know this is so yesteryear). One wouldn't play, so put it through P.C. and also DVD player/TV and it played perfectly, so not a faulty disc. Old portable also playing others perfectly. I have never come across this phenomena(on) before. Does anyone have an explanation as to why it won't read a particular disc?

[DulwichFox]

Sounds like a Music DVD not compatable with CD player..

DulwichFox

[TheArtfulDogger]

Is it black, with a single long groove on each side ?

If so not a cd at all... More old school vinyl :-(

[sherylbutler]

Maybe the player doesn't like the CD... excuse me for the joke. Well, there is a big chance that one of your CD's is not compatible with your player. It sounds strange, because you didn't have problem with the other CDs. The format of your CD should be CD-R, if it is not-maybe this is the problem.

[titch juicy]

Portable cd players are notoriously fickle. I've had the same thing in the past where a seemingly random cd won't play, but will play on other machines.

[Jeremy]

I've also had reasonably good hi-fi CD players that are a bit picky about what CDs they'll play. Maybe worth making a copy, and seeing if the copy plays?

[Jah Lush]

Yep. Had a similar problem where a CD won't play on the CD player but will play on the DVD and portable CD player. Have to say it has been a rare problem for me though.

[almost peckham]

Try cleaning the lens of the CD player. The lens can get dusty or greasy over the years and this can be more likely with portable players if of the 'opening lid' sort of design rather than a slot loader. This prevents the machine 'seeing' the CD. UNPLUG IT. If it's an opening lid sort of machine the lens is easy to see - a clear plastic disc about 5mm across. Use some contact cleaning solvent or other electronics cleaner (from maplins eg) on a cotton bud and gently clean the lens then leave a minute or two to evaporate. Not guaranteed to work but has worked about 75% of the times I've tried including slot or tray loading machines which need a bit of taking apart to get to the lens.

Good luck.

[adonirum]

DF...it's definitely an audio CD

almost peckham, I will try that as it is an opening lid type, but can't be that bad as it played/still plays others

thanks all for your input

Artful, you might have struck on something there!!!!!!might explain why sometimes the music i s s o s l o w and yet other times itissoquickthatyoucanhardlydecipherwhattheyaresingingasitisgoingnineteentothedozen

[Jah Lush]

Found my CD cleaner CD which has fixed the problem I had with one particular CD I had that refused to play on my CD player. Woo!