My xbox 360 disc slot doesn't always open, unless there is already a game in there. It reads the disc no problem, but for some reason doesn't want to open when I press A or the button on the console. It sounds as if its trying to, but eventually it thinks that I'm trying to close it and then tries to read a disc that isn't even there. What is the reason for this? Can I fix it?

IMO Never Use a cleaning disc for Gaming consoles. Which Xbox 360 do you have? Is it the Older Model or newer one? You can Try Blowing into Your Xbox disc drive. Is your xbox up to date,you can unplug your xbox 360 and from the wall and the Xbox. Wait 25 Mins and Try again.

I'll need some more information to truly help you,
Is the disc spinning when you put it in (can you hear it trying to read)
What does the xbox dashboard say when a disc is inserted? Are there any error codes or "no disc inserted" message?
Try another game disc if you can. Sometimes discs get scratched or dirty, in which case you can clean it or have it professionally cleaned.
If that doesn't work, Try cleaning your laser lens
There are several places that will clean your laser lens, or if you're a little more technologically inclined, You can open your system yourself and clean the lens with some alcohol and a q-tip.
If none of the above works, you may need to have your xbox professionally repaired.

you should try cleaning it with an actual dvd cleaning disc. if that doesn't work you may need to get a replacement drive and swap them out.

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/joel_63c670a84e9f6a97

Hello Shawn Francis,

This problem happens to a very high percentage of consumers of the Microsoft Xbox 360 Console, so there is no need to fret. The "Open Tray" problem is a common problem, thus' there is a way you can fix it. Most solutions require you to open the console, unless the solution is banging on the top of the console, which I don't recommend.

- Reader -- When your Xbox 360 console is opened, open the disk tray and inspect the reader. This may be dirty. Try to clean it off with rubbing alcohol and a q-tip. There is NO need to assemble the xbox back together when doing each step. Plug in all needed cables into the Xbox 360 and try BEFORE you re-assemble it.

- Magnet -- Inspect the top cover of the disk tray and you will see a black circle, and on the other side, (underneath the sticker,) a silver circle. That silver circle is the magnet that keeps a game disc in place as it spins. It may be out of place, and causing the game disc to move everywhere, not letting the reader read it. There are several methods to take the magnet and the black holder off of the disc tray top cover, just try a YouTube search. Once that is off, you can place the magnet and the black cover onto the Xbox 360 disc spinner, and the disc tray problem will most likely be solved.

If you have any other problems, or concerns, feel free to contact me at any time.

It is probably scratched, or have became dirty, unless there might be a problem with the xbox laser-reader.

Try with other games, and if there is the same problems, it might be the laser-reader.

If it might be the laser-reader, you should try ejecting the disc tray, remove the disc if there is one, and try to blow "downward", because there might be dust on the reader, which can give the xbox problems with reading discs.

Unfortunately this is high likely a disc player issue and it will be cheaper for you to purchase a new (old) system then it would be for you to go through the hassle of repair.

As you have already specified you are aware of the pot tweaking and that is the route that might lead you to a solution if you are to try and do it yourself. Another option though also costing money is to purchase just the disc player from ebay and change it out completely. Again, I find Xbox 360 cheap enough at pawn shops or yard sales that you could easliy find a cheap one.

I have given all my original xbox systems to family members already otherwise I would have gaven you one of mind.

Good luck.

This is similar to a problem I have, the best thing to do is to keep openening and closing the disc tray untilll it reads. Otherwise, clean the disc

Hello ckpynn,
I have had this problem myself with my own Xbox 360. From my experience, I have noticed that the issue is usually caused due to the Xbox not being able to read the disc. This could be due to the laser inside the Xbox is dirty or damaged - or it could be the disc itself. I never attempted to repair this because I found that after about 5 or more tries, my Xbox was able to read the disc.
When you open the tray to put the disc in or to try and get the Xbox to read it, try rotating the disc a little bit and insert again.
If this doesn't work, you may need to contact Microsoft technical support for further assistance.

This is a common problem with old xbox 360 consoles.If your console is still under warranty, try getting a replacement by visiting the support website at xbox.com/support.

If you are no longer covered by insurance you can do an old trick I used to do with my old xbox 360.
Open the disc tray and insert the disc, as soon as you insert the disc in the console, hit your xbox on the top surface a few times, around 3, by this I mean slap it. it might take a few tries but it worked me.

However, if you are having problems with a specific disc, you should try cleaning the disc with a clean cloth. If that doesn't work, you can borrow the same game from a friend or try to obtain a temporary copy. Download the game to your hard drive and insert the original game, it should work flawlessly.

The open tray and unplayable disc is because the lens isn't strong on the drive and needs to have a Pot calibration done to it to make the lens signal stronger. That should fix the open tray/unplayable disc issue. I have done this to quite a few drives and all have been working fine since.