Symphonic SL2840 VHS VCR: not impressed

I have not had this VCR very long and have used it maybe 20 to 30 times. The tape, when introduced into the machine, fails to load completely and the gear components jam and start making a knocking noise. I am unable to resolve the issue.
Repair is out of the question as the unit did not cost much more than a repair would cost. This unit was purchased to replace another VCR which failed after even fewer uses. I am developing a great frustration with the quality of equipment on the market today. There is nothing inexpensive about cheap units.