LG RC199H (DVD Freezes)

My LG RC199H DVD/VCR combo unit has been problematic since July 2006 when I made the mistake of purchasing it. DVDs "freeze up" when watching them, whether they are new or used, yet play flawlessly when inserted into my other DVD players and gaming console. When this occurs (every time I watch a DVD), it does not respond to any commands I input via the unit itself or via remote control. My only option is to unplug the unit from the wall, plug it back and and keep hitting the eject button to retrieve the DVD, before it freezes back up.

When I call LG, all they can suggest is that I buy a DVD cleaning kit and use that...or pay them $69. to access it. In hindsight, I should have never bought this piece of LG junk, but since I regrettably did, I should have promptly returned it upon purchasing, but now cannot since the manufacture's warranty has run out...which brings me here...after calling Best Buy's Customer Support line who reference this FixYa site for possible Tech based solutions, before throwing this LG garbage in the trash where it belongs by default.