New to digital mod world...help

I have not gotten much help on other boards, so maybe someone here can help.

As part of a "package deal" at a local Pawnshop, I recently picked up a mid-80's Kyocera cd player that wasn't reading cds. If you don't know Kyocera, they are a big Japanese electronics company, and they were among the first makers of audiophile cd players. Through bad decisions, not bad products, they never went anywhere in the audio market. This cd player is quite sweet. Rosewood veneer side panels, champagne brushed metal front, heavy as a tank, with the smoothest drawer action I've ever seen. To my questions:

For the sake of the looks and drawer action, I'd really love to have this unit repaired. As it turns out, it WILL read some cds...oddly enough, only ones manufactured in the late 80's. It will not recognize any of my newer cds. So, I am wondering...1)does it sound like this current problem is correctable? what might it be? 2) if it isn't, how would those of you experienced with cd player modifications, go about having this unit brought up to 2002 specs? 3)Where would I go? What questions do I ask?

Thanks.

Dave