I have the same issue. Did you ever find a solution to this problem? My JVC camera is about three years old and has been very well cared for and hardly used. Last month I turned it on in 'record mode' and the camera acts as though the lens cap is on at all times, even when the lens cap removed. Previously recorded material can be viewed without any problems. Audio works and records fine, but no new video can be recorded. There is no picture whatsoever, just black.