DVD thru VCR no sound

[Dan Starnes]

I have attached a DVD player to my 1954 Admiral. I use an old vcr for a tuner cause the tv only has 12 channels. I figured instead of buying a rf modulator I could use the vcr. For some reason when the dvd is installed the vcr will produce no sound when using it for a tuner. The tv however still produces sound on channels I tune it into. I do get sound from the dvd player. I hide all the modern equipment under the tv and all is wonderful, cept I have to disconnect the dvd player when I want to watch regular tv. If this makes sense, I would appreciate any tips.
Thanks
Dan
ps the vcr readout produces a L, but since the vcr is itself an antique I have no paperwork to tell me what that means.