Seem like we do have the same problem with the disk tray but no 3 ROD. Yup! same technique i used too slightly nudge the disk tray a bit then o.k. but if you quit your games to dashboard then the disk will be scratch!!! You just have to shutdown the damn console then eject the game out. Mine manufacture date March 06.      No comment!!!

My console was placed horizontal. I have this problem only recently about 3 months now. It actually scratch the side of the disk but not on the disk itself. You can see slightly scratch on the tray also with some sprinkle things leave on the disk tray. Anyway, I will be getting a new console and trade/sell this console for spare parts. Too troublesome to send to Singapore as you maybe getting back the console with 3ROD.     

Normally when we quit the game to the dashboard the game will stop. You can hear the disk tray stop spinning then it is safe to eject. But with mine set when quit game to dashboard if lucky then the same procedure. If not, when quit to dashboard you can hear a loud "yakkk" sound then stop. When eject the tray have some spinkle things leave on the tray. Anyway, thanks for the reply/help. Just bought another new set (What type of crap MS put into their console? 2 cents hardward and sold for 100 dollar). Hope this set will be o.k. Finger cross.

^ haha, actually buying the 360 makes me appreciate my trusty old fat ps2 so much more! most of my ori ps2 discs have only slight wear & tear minute scratches after many sessions hopefully that lil fella can go strong for another 5 years!!