VCR philips problem

Hey
I have VCR Philips VR496. when the cover is closed and I turn it on, it makes moving motor noises for some sec and shutdown.
when the cover is off, it works fine.
I found the sensor that should get the light (it works well becouse the VRC works without the cover) I also find the LED the should transmit the lite. I checked the led with Multi-meter, and the led looks fine. I also checked the power supply to the led, I have 5V before the resestor and around 1.5 after, so the led should work.
Then I thouth, maybe the light from the led don't reach the sensor? I took a small lamp (pocket lamp) and give a lite instead of the led, and I could see the lite in the place where should be a sensor.
Does someone know what can be the problem?
How can I solve it???

thanks ahead...

1.5V isn't alot for a LED. Most of the types i was using start to operate at 1.8-2V at least.