We have an RCA DVD recorder/VCR Combo which we purchased to transfer all our old tapes to DVD. The directions sound simple enough but we still get nothing but "disk error" with no other explanation.

A lot depends on what type of video tape you use and where do you want to play the DVDs (CDs are for audio recording only). If tape is compact VHS then you can buy a simple DVD Recorder VHS VCR combo player and transfer across easily provided you have the compact VHS cassette module.
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/reservoir/tv-dvd-players/lg-v271-vcr-dvd-player-combo-recorder-6-head-hi-fi-stereo/1073556241

For other type of video camera tapes you will have to try other methods like connect camera with tape to a DVD recorder and directly burn the DVDs. You can buy attachments and software for PC but I have found these very cumbersome to work with.

Any types DVD dics that have DVD+R copying writing to the dvd disc to it only one time only or DVD+RW eraseable old materials buy copying some else on it.

Use the DVD+R Disc better for transfering recording.Read ur DVD Recoder/VCR combo owner manual,before u do this,for the correctly setting to do transfering recording.

For anyone who has an RCA DRC 8335 with dvd Recorder, here is a suggestion.
If your tapes have been recorded in SLP Mode, om another player, I can tell you they will NOT play on this thing!!
So, merely take another VCR, and a blank tape, Place the blank tape into the RCA DRC 8335 VCR side, and then, go to its Set-Up Menu, and go to OUTPUT. On the "ACTION BAR"Change the the RCA's output to "FRONT" and then, play the VCRr you stuck on top of the RCA!!
When the inage on the "Source tape is shown,
Record onto the RCA, in SLP Mode, Now, it will play, just fine.
Hope this helps. Jon (Found BY Accident!!)

hook the video output from vcr to dvd input at rear, then hook output from dvd to tv input. note; you can not record protected vcr movies you can only record tv shows from sattelite to vcr or dvd recorder. its best to record straight from sattelite to dvd recorder for picture clarity.

follow the below link>>

http://www.geocities.com/toddemslie/vcrdx.html

Hope it helps.
Thanks

your model is "tuner free" that means it does not have the RF screw in connector. Buy one that has a tuner, preferably both ATSC(USA digital) and NTSC(USA analog)

Check your "tracking" If the tape played fine in the old machine, then tracking is the answer, provided that the new machine records good.

I have the same model. DVD is not a recorder.

Even if you do get it connected you cannot copy from vhs to dvd as you have bought a vcr recorder with dvd player, not a dvd recorder. You can only record to the vcr tape from a dvd, in the players controls.