MacBook Pro stopped reading discs, ejects them

I bought this MacBook Pro in December of '08 (referbished, but from the apple website) and shortly after had a problem with the drive not reading discs and making odd noises. Took it in and they replaced it under the 90 day warranty. I haven't used the disc drive in at least a year or more now, but when I tried to recently it would act like it was reading the disc with nothing showing up. After a minute it ejects the disc. I've tried at least a dozen different discs that all work fine on my other computer and my MacBook Pro spits them all out.
Obviously I no longer have this thing under warranty, being 4 years old, so is there anything I can try to do without spending $400 I don't have for ANOTHER new optical drive? All of my software is up to date.
Also, if it comes to replacing the drive again, is there any way that I might get it free since this is a recurring problem with a refurbished laptop? I know it's a longshot, but worth asking.

I'm not sure where you come up with the $400 figure unless you are including some very expensive labor.  A replacement drive should not cost more than about $100.  They can be user installed and does not require any exotic tools.  (I have done it)
Have you tried a little cleaning of the drive.  Often a DVD cleaning disk can clean a dusty lens and make it function.  Not having used it a long time does not mean that dust has not seeped in during that period.  I have also heard that judicious use of compressed air will clean the lens.
It never hurts to ask but your chances of getting a new drive for free are about as good as getting palm trees to grow in Antarctica.
Ciao.

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