Check the actual tape inside, is there damage? Does it rewind automatically?

I have same problem in that it'll play for maybe 10-20 seconds then stops.

What I did with my digital samsung VHS , was literally hold the tape down until the light comes on (whenever a tape is inserted, I also removed the top off and screws but and pop it on/off). after a couple of seconds, the VCR detects a tape in and the tape itself goes thru the motions (gears , head). then I play it, but it may eject/stop/rewind a little but after 5-6 times or more (keep putting tape in and holding down) it'll eventually play. But this has to be done each time.