you may be able to get away with meths and a cue tip along the slot, do this repeatedly and inset a cart to graft it in.
It sounds like a only one or two pins are dirty.

hmm... assuming I don't have meths?

I'm thinking about the type of clean I performed on my 32x, I opened it up, reseated some cables that were a little loose, cleaned a bunch of internal bits... I'm talking a thorough disassemble and clean up... unless you guys think it could just be a pin clean? is meth easy to come by?

What Carl said mate. Always do the easiest thing first. I can tell your gagging to whack it open lol but it does sound like a pin issue.

Most DIY stores will sell a form of electrical contact cleaner. 

lol, ok fine only thing is I don't have any meth and have no idea where I'd get it, is anything else suitable for the job... I've had loads of those cotton bud stick things thanks to living with a woman lol

Electrical contact cleaner for circuit boards at maplins.

Done

actually I think I have a bottle of contact cleaner which I used on my 32x... might give that a whirl actually thanks

did anyone else have issues with the Mega CD Laser Warning label (the yellow one) coming loose and actually scratching the CDs?? the label that says do not touch lens or whatever it was, it ruined a copy of Supreme Warrior for me

Yes!

What I do is get a strong piece of card, cut to the size of the cart slot and then spray the cart slot with cleaner. Then I push the card in and out to pick up the dirt, you will be surprised how filthy it gets.

I use isopropyl alcohol for cleaning my systems. Works good.
Not sure where you buy it though, I just took a little home from work. 

Go to B&Qs but dont get white spirits, only Meths!

White spirit leaves a residue and takes longer to evaporate.

I really want to comment but Meth is illegal here in the States.