Unfortunately the problem you describe is most likely the infamous "lens cap" problem as the symptoms you mention is one in a range associated with the image sensor defect, and which normally would have qualified for a special JVC free repair as the model mentioned is on the list of models susceptible to developing the problem, however "would have" being mentioned as the free repair offer was only valid up to the end of June 2009 after having been running for nearly three years, the qualification then on receiving the repair being that the person requesting it had to be the original purchaser of the device and have proof of this fact, the "original" purchase receipt being the usual item shown although credit card receipt proof can usually also be accepted. Of course it wasn't completely unknown for JVC to "sometimes" carry out a goodwill repair without this paperwork formality but it all depends on who deals with the request as this qualification was made to stop dealers buying up defective camcorders on the cheap, getting them repaired free, then selling then on at a profit. I would contact JVC customer services wherever you might be located (US & Canada both used "U" suffix) as you have nothing to lose as they might well oblige and carry out the "free" repair, as through experience it is known that quite a few people have still managed to have this this repair carried out since the passing of the official expiry date, but of course once again dependant on who answers the phone call so I would persevere on this.