I know one tip for getting Vhs machines to work good.

If , let's say for some reason you still own one.

If the tape or part of the tape gets stuck in the machine when ejecting it.

Just try cleaning it with a vcr cleaning tape.

Then try playing the tape again.

There's a good chance it will get stuck in the vcr again.  If that happens, just clean it again and see if it doesn't fix the problem.

Possibly have to try it a third time as well, maybe not.