I'm a newbie with a general question

I just joined this site because I want to learn more and build my own laser.
Here is my question:
I removed a diode from a dvd drive and had trouble getting the three wires free from the board that was attached. I may have damaged it with too much heat but don't know how to make sure.

Q-How much voltage do I need to test it?

I connected to the two outside wires with 1.5 volts then 3.0 volts....nothing.

Voltage on a red LD should be around 3V. Current is very important on a Laser diode. You must run it at a specific current (depending on what diode you have) Also polarity must be correct. As far as removing the conductive cable and the polarity pinouts for your diode, there are several very informative videos and threads on here about how to do this. Thanks to Mohenburg & Nicocapo and others. Search for all diodes thread and LOC harvesting video
If you left your iron on the connections for more then 1 or 2 seconds you have ruined it. Heat is a diodes enemy, as well as to much current.

The good news is you can buy another one from people on this forum for $12.00 and change. search in Laser Pro Shop or Buy Sale Trade sections of this forum

Welcome to the forum and read up on everything you can. If you want to start with red search for LOC (long open can) or LCC (long closed can) diode. Read all of these posts first (it may take all night)LOL, and you will have a basic idea where to start.

I only joined this forum about 5 months ago and I went from knowing nothing about lasers, to building my own lasers from scratch, including the host (body of laser) The people on this forum are some of the nicest and most helpful people you could ask for. Do some searching on your own and most of the time you will find the answer, but if you still need help, ask and somebody will know the answer.
Thanks to Jay, Glenn,Hemlock-mike and of course Dave ,and all the others.:thanks: