Get error message: cannot copy data C254 with VHS tapes

SOURCE: Sylvania SRDV495 DVD-VHS

I have the same unit, a SRDv495 and have also been having
a bad time getting dvd's that will work in my machine. I also
bought mine from Sears. I have found one that works every
time and that is a MAXWELL DVD-RW. The trick I think is
the speed of the DVD, so you need to use the ones that have
Up to Max 2X, 4.7 GBgo, 2 Hrs. I find these work every time.
Hope this helps.

SOURCE: recording from vhs to dvd

Direct copy VCR to DVD:
- Insert VHS tape you want to copy
- Insert a recordable DVD disc
- Press DVD copy button on front panel or remote control (to DVD).
- To stop recording press the stop button.

IMPORTANT: If attempting to copy copyrighted material the Samsung DVD-VR320 will detect the encoding and will not allow the copy to be made.

SOURCE: Can't copy my disney vhs tapes to dvd

I'm assuming your Disney tapes are store-bought, as opposed to recorded off the air. If that's true, the reason you can't record them to your dvd recorder is because of copy-protection. Sorry...can't advise you how to break that.

SOURCE: When I try dubbing from VCR to DVD the machine

The DVD AGG (automatic gain control) is somehow being fooled into thinking the non-commercial tape has macrovision (copy protection). Is this a relatively inexpensive machine?

SOURCE: VCR DVD Recorder not dubbing

I called the manufacturer and realized I was using the wrong type of recordable DVD disc to dub to. Non copy protected VHS tapes dub just fine as long as I'm using the proper disc.