Sony RMT-V501E Remote Control

I received this remote when I purchased a Sony DVD/VCR combo, it is complete garbage that has never worked correctly, the only way to get it to work is to bang it several times (I am not kidding) and be directly (1-3 feet) in front of the player.  I tried changing the batteries and that did not help.  I also purchased a Sony universal replacement remote and none of the codes worked, I tried getting it to recognize it the DVD/VCR player by using the find the code feature.  I gave up after a couple of hours.  I have tried the universal remote on other electronics and it works fine.  The RMT-V501E replacement remote is $50.00 plus which I refuse to pay because I researched it on the internet and everyone seems to have the same problem with it so I am not throwing good money after bad.  The player itself is fine, the remote useless.