Then my thought at this point is, put yourself out of your misery (you’ve been greatly diligent), telephone SanDisk Customer Service, and see if they can help–if not, get a warranty replacement player. (In the U.S., the big S even covers the postage both ways.) http://www.sandisk.com/about-sandisk/contact-us – 1-866-SANDISK (726-3475) in the U.S., 8 am - 7 pm PST.