This is indeed the infamous lens cap problem of a defective image sensor having been fitted, your model being on a now expired (end of June) free repair list, so all you can do is contact JVC on the number below and see what they say, as its not unknown for them to carry out a goodwill repair free of charge, the problem is that the free repair offer has been in existence for the last 30 months or so they might not be quite so obliging as they were. JVC (UK) phone number 0870 - 330 - 5000 (assuming by model number suffix that you are in the UK) The part to repair this doesnt cost the earth, but its a case of someone used to working on small pieces of electro mechanical equipment fitting it for you, plus being good at soldering as a small 14 pin (finely spaced) module has to be desoldered then new one soldered in.