unit shuts down after 4 seconds?

i have a pye dvd vhs combo recorder 90 series ....when i turn it on put in a vhs tape it will do what ever i ask it too but for only 4 or 5 seconds then it stops almost like i pushed the stop button .....both gears seem to be moving ...im thinking something in with the timer ?? is it stuck is some format mood ??
help!!! i only used it 3 times it was a reconditioned unit but is now off warrenty ...