Magnovox MWR20V6 will not begin recording when it should.

I am in need of some good help! I am trying to record my shows on the DVD with the Magnavox MWR20V6. I think there is something wrong with my timer set. I have followed the instructions to the letter! I enter "timer" and input the necessary information (date, channel, recording mode, etc.). Once I enter this information, I press "timer set". The front of the recorder shows the red "timer light" as well as the "DVD" logo. After several minutes, usaully two minutes before recording begins, I notice the timer light or the DVD logo is fashing, as if there is a problem. I douple check the information and everthing is correct, rehit the timer set and "poof" everything works fine. Or, say I set something to start at 7:00 but at 7:03 I notice it did not record. I check my information and everything is fine, rehit the timer set and "poof" it begins recording, WHY? If I miss doublechecking my information and come back hours later, I get the "E40 code". Thre problem with the E40 code is that I only attempted to record ONE show. What step or problem could I be missing? The only thing I seem to be missing is my favorite TV shows????