Sony CFDS38:Must jiggle the cassette "play" button to get sound?

Sony CFD-S38 w/remote. AM/FM, CASSETTE, CD. Manufactured 1999. The audio cuts out intermitently when using the cassette player. Pressing and jiggling the "play" button causes the audio to temporarily function normally. The spindles turn and the tape moves, but the sound doesn't start immediately, and cuts in-and-out when it comes through the speakers. The head has been cleaned, and the tapes work in other players. The unit has probably less than 50 hours of use on the cassette player. It hasn't been dropped or abused since purchased (bought new); also, no extreme heat or cold. No other troubles with this unit.