Laser works, but will not do anything when disc is inserted

If I insert a disc manually, the laser will move into position, the arms will adjust two times, and then the drive will do nothing more. It will still take and ejects discs without issue. If I manually simulate a disc going in, the drive try will lift, then drop back down, then the laser will turn on and try reading the imaginary disc. After a few moments it then gives up, but it will not read discs in the correct position. What's my best course of action?