i've got an old 8x cd burner that i've had for a few years but haven't used very much, but the past few times i've tried to burn cd's i've gotten an error (even when just running a test burn) right at the start saying there was a power calibration error and the burn fails. i looked it up on google and found that the error is usually caused by cheap discs or a dirty laser lens. i just got some new discs and they work fine on my other computer, so i don't think that's the problem. i tried using a lens cleaning disc (cd w/ a brush on it), but it didn't change anything. one of the things i found on google suggested you could remove the disc drive, disassemble it and clean the lens manually, but i'd only like to attempt that if i have no other option. i'm not sure what model or even brand the burner is either (i think it may be NEC, but beyond that i don't know). so, can anybody give me some ideas?

Disassembling and cleaning the lens assembly is not such a daunting task. Reassembling it correctly certainly is! CD burners are now considered a disposable item. How about an upgrade?