I noticed the following line: Could not find CS4231A (version=80).

This is a known problem that happens with some players. Unfortunately, the only solution is a chip replacement.

If the player worked before, and has only started failing now, then the thing you think is a "solder bridge" between the pins is very unlikely to be the problem. It's probably supposed to be that way, or at least it doesn't hurt anything to have it that way.