I have a LeapPad model 57 that has 8 books with it and only 2 will work. I know they go to the LeapPad system I have because on the books that go into the LeapPad show the same picture as the LeapPad system I have. Some of the books came with cartridges and when I put them in the system it say's "that is not a LeapPad cartridge" and it wont work. What do I do?

Forgot Parent Lock code on LeapPad
Forgot Parent Lock code on LeapPad Published 07/10/2013 01:47 PM ' Updated 06/15/2015 04:11 PM
I forgot my Parent Lock code, how can I access parent settings on the LeapPad3, LeapPad Ultra, or LeapPad Platinum?If you forgot the four digit parent lock code you set up for the LeapPad3, LeapPad Ultra or LeapPad Platinum, you may retrieve the code with these steps:
1. Using a computer or other device connected to the internet, go to www.leapfrog.com
2. Click "Log In/Register" (or "My Account" if already signed in) on the top right of the page.
3. Sign in with the email address used to set up the LeapPad.
4. You'll land on the "My Account" page.
5. Click "Account Information". Directly beneath the orange "Edit" button you will see the Parent Lock code information for any LeapPad3 or LeapPad Ultra set up using this account.

Hello Laurie
Im not sure if you ultra leappad is the same as a Leappad 2 explorer
but heres a clip that might help you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akMrzpvJq-g

Reply to let me know if this helped.

Try cleaning the stylus, the cartridges and the port with a little rubbing alcohol. Use a Q-tip.

If it does power up, and you are unable to get only the Go button not to function, there could be 3 problems
1. the cartridge is dirty
2. the sytlus is bad
3. the sensor membrane is wet or bad.

Clean the cartridge or try another book.
Replace the stylus.
Dry out the leap pad (this is a last resort. place the leapPad in a sunny window for a day, standing upright and open (remove batteries).)

If nothing else works, you can find another leapPad at most thrift stores (that works!), for about $5-$25 (any model, but you might not get a lot of model choices, but some even come with books and cartridges you might not have!)
Take a book and a cartridge with you, maybe even batteries, and ask the store if you can try it before you buy it (they will usually let you test it)

Amazon.com

Try cleaning the other cartridges contacts with alcohol and Q-tip. The major problem with the leappad is that the cartridges are failing after the warranty period is over.

my computer guy looked at it with sorry news that it was not going to work unless i wanted to spend way more than it is worth

I really don't have the answer for you, but I can tell you I have the book Pooh gets stuck and mine is doing the same thing. I thought it was the cartriage and replaced it. Oddly the one I replaced it with skipps the same words. My book looks new so I wouldn't think it's the book, but I bought them used in the first place so I guess it may be the book. My leappad is playing everything else fine except The day Leap Ate Olives it is doing the same thing. They sell replacement books and cartriages on ebay for about $5-8 each so maybe that will help. If you get one that doesn't work contact the seller at least they will usually refund your money or send another one. Hope this helps some anyway: )

You answered your own question the calibration seems to be off big time

thanks for your concern. I called toysrus.