I have a NEC cd/dvd burner. It plays dvds and burns them but no luck with CDS! doesnt burn or read them. whenver i insert a cd it tells me no cd plase insert a cd after about 30 sec.
what should i do?

it used to function ok

Have you tried cleaning the lens yet? That is the first thing I would try. You can buy a cleaning kit at a computer store or an office supply store for under $10 USD.

a new one of these are about $30 it doent make sense to buy a cleaning kit for $10
I spoke to my tech guy. he says that it could be that the laser for the CD is messed up and they usually go bad after about a year of use!!!!
is that true?
can I verify that?

It's your money. I think $10 is less than $30. And if you buy a new one you should clean the lens on occasion anyway. It will probably last much longer.

I am kind of thinking that your tech guy is also the Salesman at Staples. Could I be right by any chance? If he is a salesman they are ALWAYS trying to get you to spend more then you need...

The cleaning kit would be a good idea... and they are reusable so you can clean other drives and cd-players in your house. I would try the 10$ option first.

no,
actually he just buitls computers and all.
anyhow I got the cleaner but no luck. It still gives me the same error that no CDs in there.
I have installed the latest firmware too but nothing has happen.
This one was an OEM.
eventhough there is a very nice deal on an OEM which is a higher Model than the one i have (NEC 3550A + 512 SD card = $32)
I think I am better off going with retail package.
what do u you think?
I cant afford to buy a Dvd burner every year.