PS1/2 DRE PS2. Expensive fix?

[Harsky]

So I came into posession of an old version PS2 that came installed with a modchip. I didn't question the person giving it to me but I know why now. It has a DRE. Even trying to run actual PS2 games instead of DVD-Rs still gives me no luck and cleaning the lens with cleaning alcohol doesn't help. I go to ebay to look for laser lens and there are plenty.... for the slimline PS2 and the ones that are available for the old style PS2 are expensive to the point that I'd be better off buying a second hand PS2 from my local store, swapping the lens and going back and asking for a refund (no. I'm not that low... yet)