I was watching a DVD the other day that was a little scratched and the video kept stuttering. and you could hear the drive trying to read the disc.
Using chapter skip, or fast forward didn't do anything, so I just pressed the eject button.
Now when I insert a disc, you can hear it read it, and the little circle thing flashes in the top right to say its loading, but it doesn't do anything.
I've surfed the forums for answers, but nothing has been of help yet, as the drive still spins up, and you can hear the drive trying to read the disc.
I have also tried a number of different "formats" including, CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, including "burnt" material (CD/DVD).
It's got me stumped.
The PS3 is a 60gig AU model from when they were first released here in Australia. so its out of warranty :(
I know the title of the thread says blu-ray drive dead, and yours is still partially working but there are several people in there with the exact same issue as you. I was one of them, and replacing the blu-ray lens is a possible solution. I suggest reading through the thread. It's 14 pages right now but it's pretty informative.
I opened up the PS3, then the optical drive, cleaned the lens with isoproprial, and then reassembled the drive, put the case back on and whammo. Drive worked fine without a hitch.
There was a fair bit of dust/crap on the lens, so that could have been causing it.
Sony Tech support were absolutely no help in resolving my problem. They told me to send them the PS3 and they'll have a look at it for a fee.
