If you have issues in getting your Playstation 3 to load or play games, CDs or DVDs, here is a list of troubleshooting tips that usually resolve its root cause.

1. Check if the disc is clean.

Start checking on the most obvious cause as to why your disc won’t load and play – it is surely not clean.

To clean the disc, using a lint-free cloth for cleaning is highly recommended. There are many cleaning cloths that are made specifically for DVD/CD and are available at computer stores worldwide.

Avoid using other materials or fabrics such as T-shirt or paper towel when cleaning your discs. These materials will leave small scratches on your disc. The scratches, fingerprints, and smudges on your disc will definitely prevent your Playstation 3 from properly reading your disc. Another thing to keep in mind also is to avoid using or inserting DVD/CD drive cleaners into your Playstation 3 because they may cause damages to the console’s system.

1. Try inserting a different disc.

You can try using or inserting a different CD or DVD into your Playstation 3 console. And if there is another Playstation 3 unit available, try using it with your disc to determine if the problem is with your Playstation 3 console or with your disc.

1. Try inserting a different disc type

You can try loading a different disc type such as DVD or CD. Doing so can help you identify if the problem happens on multiple types of discs or on just one particular disc type.

1. Remove the game data and re-install it afterwards.

Another way to resolve the issue of a game disc not loading on your Playstation 3 console is by deleting the game and re-installing it afterwards. Click on Game, and then go to Game Data Utility; find the game data for the disc that you wanted to play. Highlight the game data and click on “Delete” to remove it from the console’s system. Then, re-insert the game disc and re-install the game.

1. Restoring your Playstation 3 console’s file system.

The possibility that your Playstaion 3 console might have damaged files on its hard drive may also cause these issues. You can remove these damaged files from your Playstation 3 console by activating its safe mode and clicking on “Restore File System“. Make sure to create a back-up data for some of your important files before performing the Restore File System. For more information and walk through guide, select Activate Safe Mode page and read about it.

1. Lastly, check backward compatibility.

Playstation 3 console models such as CECHE01, CECHB01, and CECHA01 are backward compatible with Palystation 2 software games. Find the model number of your Playstation 3 console at the back of the unit and check or compare it with the table below. Find out if your Playstation 3 console is compatible with the game that you wanted to play.