My Xbox can't read

by Steve Parsons { Nov 14th 2004 at 3:49PM }

It's a problem with some consoles. For example the Playstation 2 is notorious for the message "Disk Read Error". However, the Xbox seems to suffer a large amount of failures to read optical xbox media, even brand new disks. Some people it seems are having big problems with Halo 2. So much so that even developers, Bungie, have responded.

Some early Xbox's were made in Mexico at a plant that used DVD components that didn't work correctly. The laser wasn't bright enough to read some disks. If you had problems under warranty, that's fine. However, the cost to repair this issue once your warranty had expired is $80.

Rather than calling for a class action lawsuit, a newer solution has been suggested. Instead of lawsuits, it essentially boils down to harassing Microsoft to do the right thing. Microsoft have deep pockets. Hopefully someone up in Redmond will realise the amazing amount of kudos and good will that fixing this issue would generate.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

SetupWeasel @ Dec 18th 2005 9:47PM

When the Xbox was first announced, I said this: "There is no way I will buy a game console from a company that can't make a decent mouse."

I have never used a piece of Microsoft branded hardware that I have been happy with.

I have always wondered why reliability has not played a bigger role in the console wars. If people really wanted systems that didn't break, they would buy systems from Nintendo.

But I guess people still buy Ford SUV's and Firestone tires too, and that problem was far more important.

Toby @ Dec 18th 2005 9:47PM

The best drives available is the Smasung, they read all media and the lens is also fast. The PS2 is deadly slow and cheap.

http://www.mistix.info

Uncle Sam @ Dec 18th 2005 9:47PM

It's what both companies wanted. They give the crap video system to make you pay to FIX! Bwhahaha! Honeslty... SetupWeasel, I like your opinon. :)

Greg Koester @ Dec 18th 2005 9:47PM

Yes, I have had problems with my XBOX as well.
I bought mine used because I'm cheap and thought "Well, I got what I paid for( $40.00) '.
But as I talk to others I realize that this is a larger problem. As I feel ripped off because of the large amount of errors I feel worse for the folks that paid $200.00+

MICOSOFT

FIX OUR SYSTEMS

Josh @ Dec 18th 2005 9:47PM

Here's a great link to check to see what kind of drive you have: http://tinyurl.com/2t6le

The Thompson DVD Drives are notoriously defective and M$ has done little to make good on the consumer. To the best of my knowledge, they were still putting them in as late as last year's holiday bundles. I recommend a Samsung Drive. If you get it home, open in up, and it's anything else, take it right back to the store.