The PS2 doesn't get updates over the internet- I think your friend may be thinking of the PS3.
It is possible your PS2 may be on the starting trend toward dying out. You could try turning the PS2 so that it is sitting vertically or, if already vertical, lying flat. This may make the lens adjust enough to read the disc.
Just to be sure it isn't the disc, however, you should try it in a friend's PS2.