When putting a disc in, it attempts to load and makes a noise then reads "no disc". When checking it further with the lid up, the disc does not spin but the laser light does come on.

Hi hanksch,
If you have necessary tools and test instruments, know safety precaution in basic troubleshooting try the steps below to solve your problem.
Assuming that the disc is good.
1.Clean the lens. - Sometimes because of dust the lens can't read any disc. Try clean the lens by soft cotton buds. Be careful while doing this.
2.Replace the ribbon - Check the ribbon connected to the lens from the main board for scratch, damage. Once it has an open line then of course the lens can't read the disc. Also try to erase the contact by pencil eraser. If you've done the steps above and the symptoms still there then the next step requires you a little knowledge in soldering technique and reading the ohmmeter.
3.Check the motor - Check the motor that spin the disc with an ohmmeter. You can test it using the ohmmeter (x1) even it is connected on the lens assembly.Good motor - reading should be fairly high and it will spin. Bad motor- reading will drop to low resistance and will not spin. http://www.fixya.com/support/r7833671-change_defective_motor_portable_dvd
Hint : 50% of my repaired unit the above parts are commonly caused of the problem.
If you confirmed that you have a defective motor then replace it with a new one. Before replacing the new motor you have to check the clearance of the disc holder with the old one. The clearance should be the same as the old because if not the lens will not read the disc if it is too far or too close.
If the above steps didn't cure the problem, high chance that your optical lens was faulty.

If you can't do the job yourself, I would advice you to look for a professional to troubleshoot the symptom.

Hope I helped you.
Have a nice day!
Thanks for using Fixya.

The pladder motor that the dvd sits on has an open winding in the motor, or the 5 volts to the motor is missing. Unfortunately it will be far cheaper to replace the dvd player than having it repaired.