To be fair, i have only tried on two different players, you're giving me a bit of hope, having done this and researching help online this was when i discovered the life of tapes so lost heart leaf them where i found them.
Think i will now try again.
I have the same problem, VHS tapes only have a shelf life of 15 -25 years if stored at optimum temperatures.
As you say "far corner of the garage" that is the problem.
I have lost my wedding video and all the kids growing up as they were stored in the loft.
Can get a bit of audio out of them...