I'm trying to install an o/s on a freinds pc. They're moving to xp. I'm having problems with the cd being read. They are smokers ... machine is filthy.. could lens be dirty?
Can it be cleaned??
Bob

A dirty lens is certainly a possibility. Lens cleaning CDs are fairly cheap so its worth a try before you replace the cdrom drive. I'd recommend the one from Philips which has the fine brushes glued on the surface. I have had some success with that cleaner.