Recently, while I am playing PS3 disc games, it will freeze up.  And when I restart the PS3, sometimes, it doesn't see the disc present.

There is no problem on playing DVDs or downloadable games.  And after the console is off for some time (after cool down), then it can play the PS3 disc games again.  But it will freeze again after some time.  So I suspect that my Blu-ray drive has problem when it is operated for some time (because of overheat?).

Anyone encountered this problem and is there any solution without having to replace a new one or buy a new PS3?

It is 80G PS2 b/c model so I don't want to replace it will the PS3 Slim!

Your Blu-ray laser might be going bad. Might have to pay to get it replaced or buy a new one if it does.

how can people get this problem ? from overusing it? cause i don't know anyone who repairs blurays, so i have to buy a new one if this happens =/

your ps3 might need a service to clean the lens...although you say it reads DVD ok it might have trouble reading the smaller BR tracks?
idk but I'd get it serviced if you can
Dunno how old your machine is but there's no need to void your warranty and do it yourself

Seems like he as an 80 gig PS2.. ~_n

contact Sony and see what they say

lol once again the obvious eluded me

still, I'd try send it to a sony autherised repair center just in case.

Don't want to mess with a ps2 b/c machine and then end up making things worse

May be I really overused it.  Recently I concentrated on play a Action Adventure game and it freezed in the final cut-scene.

After leaving it off for a day, the cut-scene could be played.  Then I repeatly restored different checkpoints in order to get the trophies for 5 hours.  There was no problem but then in next day, it freezed after playing any game for some minutes.

I just wonder what is the cause of the problem.  If it is the mechanical part, then why it can play DVD properly?  If it is the lens part (I think Blu-ray & DVD use different lenses), then why it can still read the Blu-ray discs for some time before it freezes?

Just want to know more before bring it to Sony for repair.

check on you tube on how to replace the blu-ray lens if it ever goes completely dead. I recently fix my ps3 from the ylod fallowing a you-tube how to video.

I had almost the same problem most recently.

http://www.vgchartz.com/forum/thread.php?id=89708

If you are able to watch a youtube movie and know how to handle a screwdriver (buy the proper one of course) and be patient, you could try what i did.