Thanks for that ...
This is how things (apparently) work.
Any CD type device uses the laser for an instant to check if a disc is present. If it's not, then it doesn't initialise the motor for the spindle. So the laser failing could cause the disc not to spin as it doesn't "see" one present.
It seems that it was my mistake, and the laser unit I purchased needed some additional work (removing a blob of solder for anti-static purpose(??)) to make things happen. I have done this using a soldering iron and solder remover and now everything works like new!
I must admit that when I ordered a new laser for the PS2 I thought, "How can this be the problem, surely the motor has burnt out!?!?!", but I was proved wrong.
Anyway, this is the solution to the infamous "Disc Not Spinning" problem with the PS2. Just remember to remove the solder 'blob'.
Ratzz
