Chosen Solution
@freewoman don’t throw it away. This sounds like a weak or dirty laser. The very first thing you want to do is to get a laser lens cleaner. You can pick those up in alomost any larger stores like Walmart, Target etc. Run it through your DVD player a few times. Then try again. If that still does not resolve the issue you may have to repalce the laser lens assembly or the complete “loader” assembly. You should have easy access to the parts by removing the 5 screws around the top cover and then remove the top.
Try playing a music CD in this unit. If it plays flawlessly, then the laser is the problem. CDs do not require as much or as accurate a laser to work properly. If you can gain access to the lens, use a q-tip with alcohol to clean the lens. Please be gentle as the lens is supported by very fine wires that are used to focus the lens. If this cleaning does not resolve the problem, then the laser assembly needs to be replaced. Depending upon which laser assembly it is, will determine whether or not the replacement makes sense from an expense perspective. Do not attempt to alter any of the controls on the laser assembly without proper equipment to verify proper alignment.
4 years? Trash her and get a smart box that has accessibility to streaming services as well.
