Sometimes a Wii or Wii U won’t read a disc; other times, a game freezes or crashes. Sometimes, the console won’t play a disc at all. Before you throw the disc—or the console—out the window, there are a few simple solutions you can use to get back into your game.

If a disc is not playing properly, start by checking the disc. A fault in the disc could be preventing the console from reading it. Hold the bottom of the disc up to the light to see if there are any spots or scratches.

If a smudge is the culprit, cleaning the disc will often solve the problem. Use a microfiber cloth like those used to clean glasses. Or use a tissue without lotion. Gently rub the stain. If you use a tissue, steam the area with your breath first.

If the disc looks clean, put it in the console. If it doesn't work, find a brighter light and look again. Small scratches and smudges are hard to find.