Universal Remote

I tried using the code search option for programming. I tried for a half hour when it finally shut of pressed enter. But the remote didn't work. I tried again for another half hour. no success. I saw a post on the internet to try it with the device off first. That didn't work. There is no company contact info. I have a Emerson TV with a VCR and DVD built in. Does this not work for combos? I used the codes for the combos and for the TV, but the remote expects a four digit code and the codes for the device listed are only three digit. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!