I had my new (then) ps3 lens crap on me after the first six months of very very light use. Removed old lens (didn't read BD games), and replaced with a new one that is working ever since!

The PROBLEM:
Now after almost 3 years I just RE-tested the old lens.... and IT WORKS!! This is very strange as I never seen a laser lens repair itself after 3 years with dust settling on it?
maybe the fisrt batch of failed BD lenses were only because a fw bug?!??! If you still have an old lens give it a try... it may work afterall!