I know this sounds silly, but is it really plugged in?

If so, it may be a blown inline fuse. They are inside the VCR near where the power cord enters the rear.

If not the fuse than it is likely the power supply. If so, toss it.

Yes, it was plugged in and as I posted above "He has checked everything he knows to check, such as the fuse,and power to the fuse, which are both okay". He has some kind of instrument that shows if there is a connection.

Thanks for your suggestions.

It served him well for 10 yrs. so maybe it is time to upgrade. He does not like change, and we did try a DVD player/recorder from QVC and could never figure out how it worked so we sent it back. We will buy local for the service and help in using it.

Jane