the 486 laptop has had floppy issues as long as I can remember... today was the first time I really looked into it. Turns out they use a belt for the spindle, and it was definitely slipping. Replaced, now, and spinning, but still not reading/writing.

Not many ideas. The only belt long ennough but not too long had to be stretched pretty tight... so maybe slowing it down.BUT the motor is a stepper, and the spindle has sensors.

Tired.