Digital BW, The Print

I have an Epson 2400 that takes paper in  and sends it through without printing. I have tried 
numerous options including, as someone suggested, printing a text document. Software 
indicates out of paper or a paper jam. Previously this would happen periodically and then 
start to print again. Now I can't get it to print at all. 
Curiously the paper comes out at the top of the opening and not the regular slot onto the 
tray.
As it's a year and a half  old and out of warranty, a $9.95 service call to Epson identified it as 
a hardware failure. I purchased it with a charge card that doubles the warranty but they 
require an estimate. My local Epson authorized service center charges a minimum of one 
hour($80) for an estimate.
Looking for suggestions.
Thanks.