HP8200 wont see cds usually

[joot7]

hows it goin,

question: when I put a cdr or cd in my HP cd writer+ 8200a the thing usually just spins around for five minutes or so until the red light starts blinking and doesnt see the cd. I thought at first the lens was dirty and cleaned it and that usually helps for 1/2 a day, but I dont think dirt is causing problem because if it finally recognizes a cd inside itself, I can read and write to it beautifully no prob. (has problem with burnt cds but moreso blank) would firmware or setting or software changes help or is this thing an old piece of crap or am I an idiot or what? Thanks!