I had a similar problem and was considering ditching the printer for a new one and then found the solution given for a different model Epson. The suggestion was to pass a thick card through the machine to clear any obstruction. This didn't work but it gave me the idea to place the machine on its back a give it a mild bash. This resulted in the discovery of a drawing pin that had evidently lodged somewhere and removing it solved my problem.
John, September 2014