Obviously this is a very old question but I thought I would answer it anyway in case anyone else out there has the same problem. This issue is indeed caused by a stretched drive belt on the cd loading mechanism. It is this belt slipping that causes the screeching noise you mention. I've had exactly the same problem myself and have just replaced the belt and now everything is working as it should. If you are fairly confident about dismantling electrical equipment, you shouldn't find it too hard to replace the belt yourself. You will find it to the rear of the cd unit. The only trouble is that to get to it you have to remove the sides of the unit, then the top with the cassette deck, then the front with the md deck and then finally you can disconnect and remove the cd deck to access the belt. Obviously just re-assemble it in the reverse order, remembering to reconnect all the connectors you had to remove along the way and all should be well. The part number you need is 4-228-968-01. You should be able to source one using Google. I hope this information keeps more of these great hifis alive as it is a shame if they get scrapped over such a minor fault. Good luck.