Pioneer DV-09 plays DVD's not CD's help


I Purchased a used Pioneer DV-09 via ebay that stated "tested with dvd and cd, plays both cd and dvd"
Not the case. 
It is a thing of hefty copper beauty, i love it.... but.... 
This unit plays dvd's perfectly fine, but as i'm sure yo can imagine, it was not purchased for it's dvd playing capability. This was to be my CD transport. 
I am working with the seller, and can probably return for refund at the cost of shipping unfortunately.
What I would rather do is find a solution. I have searched to the end of the internet I feel on this issue.
Does anyone have any input? I cannot even find a replacement laser for this model (assuming that is the issue). 
I appreciate any input.

Maybe cut my losses and give up my block-o-copper dreams. 
zimmy709
I'd be more likely to just buy the pickup assembly and try if this was officially my player... what I mean is that luckily the seller is offering fantastic customer service and has offered to refund my purchase price AND shipping plus send me a shipping label to send it back. OR if I so choose, we agree upon a fair price for the unit as is, which I would love if I can come up with a reasonable solution. The kicker... I'm on a time crunch for that decision or I'm just stuck with it as is at the price I bought it for, a bargain believe me, but i'd still rather not have a late 90's badass dvd player. That is of no use to me.  
The Pioneer Elite DV-09 is a wonderful player that does NOT require that CDs be placed upside down. I sold mine years ago and regretted it quite     a bit. However, even a player of this quality can have a laser wear out. I'm facing a similar dilemma with my Sony SCD-777. The CD laser is out and only the SACD laser works. Fortunately, I have an Oppo and a Pioneer Elite BDP09 to handle my CDs until the Sony is fixed. My best advice would be to get a repair quote, and if you find it exceeds $500 then buy an Oppo. You won't regret it!
Thank you for your input. I really love this unit, I hate to give it up but I may have to as the gamble of keeping it to never play a cd is pointless. I would be doing the replacement myself, no issue there. I’ve just been debating to go the Oppo rout myself actually, or do I go media server at this point? The thing is I like the nostalgia and getting up to load the next album... as weird as that may be. After all, this entire obsession does revolve around how we enjoy spending our free time. Life is so fast paced anymore. I enjoy the slow down.
Zimmy-

you could always buy a spare 09 and keep the whole machine for parts?
Keep me posted & Happy Listening!