On December 12, 2005, I bought an MP3 - 303/256 RAD - Serial No 0019622250. For the second time in nine months this MP3 player failed to work. The first time in February it was fixed since it was still under the six-month commercial guarantee. On September 27 it failed to work again but this time I was told that it is beyond repair - fault indicated "Not functioning - no power".

When I referred him to the 24 months guarantee indicated on the handbook under the heading "International Warranty Roadstar - Warranty Terms and Conditions", the salesman at Digital Zone, Valletta, told me that these terms do not apply to Malta.

I would like to know whether this is true. Maybe we are not "international" despite being members of the European Union. (Isabelle Sciberras)

First of all, I must stress that, in accordance with Maltese law, the legal guarantee is valid for two years, no matter what.

On November 1, 2006 we sent a copy of this letter to Digital Zone, City Gate Arcades, Valletta, and asked for their comments, to no avail. On January 3, 2007 we sent them another copy of the letter and asked for their comments, still to no avail. On February 14, we sent Digital Zone yet another copy of the a letter with yet another request for their comments, still to no avail.

At this stage, in view of Digital Zone's refusal to communicate with us, we have no alternative but to communicate with them publicly via this column. I look forward to hearing from Digital Zone.