thans for the reply Paul. I have tried rebuiling the drive as per your instructions and I have noticed that after an attemped rebuild and getting the "couldn't get pump error" the player just sits there looking dead and doesn't reboot itself. I have however pulled the plug immediately after getting the message ran hyperterminal plugged in the player and this is the message I get:

If there is anyone present who wants to upgrade the flash, let them speak now,
or forever hold their peace...
empeg-car bootstrap v1.02 20001106 ([email protected]
)
If there is anyone present who wants to upgrade the flash, let them speak now,
or forever hold their peace...
empeg-car bootstrap v1.02 20001106 ([email protected]
)
If there is anyone present who wants to upgrade the flash, let them speak now,
or forever hold their peace...
empeg-car bootstrap v1.02 20001106 ([email protected]
)
If there is anyone present who wants to upgrade the flash, let them s

This message just loops like this over and over again. Hope this helps you out.