This is a VERY common issue. I had the problem once before and JVC charged me $125 to fix. It lasted for about 18 months. Now, it's doing it again. I was also having a problem with the thing accepting a tape and closing (had to try over-and-over).
I tried the first fix suggested by the following link. No luck. I'll take it apart someday per the second suggestion, but for now, I'm tired of messing with it. I'm buying another brand.
http://www.thedvshow.com/faq-pro/index.php?action=article&cat_id=002&id=531
Brian, May 2008