PS2 Slim Not Spinning even after drive assembly replacement

I got a second hand PS2 Slim 7500x. It could read CDs but not DVDs, so I replaced the laser. The replacement had the same issue so I replaced it again. On the third attempt, the discs were reading but not spinning. I decided to replace the ribbon cable as it looked suspect (the previous owner had lubricated the mechanism and some lubricant had found its way into the adhesive so the paper backing had fallen off)

Now with the new ribbon cable, still no dice.

I took the entire disc drive assembly out of my working PS2 slim 7500x and did a swap. The issue persisted!

I don't think it is a sensor issue as I have been testing with the cover off and my two fingers on the sensors. The laser does light up and see the disc, but fails to move.

Does anyone have any thoughts? I'm wondering if it's a fuse but if so, then how did it break so suddenly between laser swaps?

Thanks in advance.

Also, before anyone asks, all solder blobs have been deactivated. Wish it were so simple.