Audio Systems: CD changer reads ERROR, vw passat, optical pickup

Question
Hi--6 disc changer (Monsoon system) in a 2000 VW Passat is not working anymore.  Each time I've tried to reload it, the radio display says "CHK Magazine" and then tries to read the discs saying "Disc Error" on each one.  Any tips on what I should try?  Thanks!

Answer
ONE: Could be mechanical malfunction caused by friction or bent hardware or something like that.

TWO:  Could be (and probably is) bad optical pickup assembly which houses the laser diode.  They often go bad. They are expensive to replace and most users decide to just replace the cd changer.

THREE: It can be associated with the digital reading electronics that converts the pits from the disc into music.  These defects are also very expensive to have repaired.

Try cleaning the discs. Try cleaning the lens on the optical pickup with a cotton q--tip.

Good Luck,
C