Help needed with Sony MZ-N710 (by 2 users)

Hello,

I have only had my Sony MZ-N710 for about a month but have already run
into a major problem with it.

It no longer records mini-discs, well, not properly anyway. I have
tried different makes of discs and ways of recording but I still have
the same problem.

The MD records fine, and you can play it back ok, however, once the
player has turned itself off, when you press play again it just says
'Blank Disc' and no tracks are on the disc.

I have tried to contact Sony, but their offices are always closed when
I am home. Has anyone else had this problem and know of a way to fix
it, or even know what it is that is wrong?

Thanks for any help!

-Pete