Zenith Microtouch 2G needle issue

[LovesZenith]

Hey guys, I recently (yesterday) acquired a Zenith Microtouch 2G changer. The record player itself is a portable (barely) model, with the two speakers that swing out on either side of the cabinet. It was the same size as the 19" tin can Zenith I got at the same time, but about 1/4 of the weight. The turntable itself then folds down. I finally understand all of the hype over these changers, as this is easily the best record player I've ever owned. I have been having running into a problem, over and over again. I was playing a 45 (I Must Be Dreaming/Little Devil by Neil Sedaka, if anyone was wondering) whenever the record was suddenly "broken". You know, when the needle gets trapped and plays the same ting over and over and over until you pick it up off the record. I was heart broken, as it was one of my favorites. (Yes, I can hear you calling me a sissy in your head) The record had never done that before. I then had a random hunch, and went to play the record on my crappy, early 1980s BSR changer, hacked into place in the console I have. The record didn't "break" this time. I then went to play it on the Microtouch again, and it didn't do it this time. I then played another 45 (We Got Love - Bobby Rydell), and it did the same thing. I went to try what I did with the Neil Sedaka 45 on the BSR, and it worked again. Now, it seems to be doing this to every record I play. I've stopped playing any, as one there was one I couldn't get out. I have theorized that the problem has something to do with the needle. Is it hitting dirt/dust and getting stuck on that? Is there some on the needle that I should get off? Could it be the little brush that the needle passes over that is picking up dirt/dust and putting it on the record? I'm gun shy about cleaning the the needle, as I hear that's the money maker/most expensive part. What would be the best way to clean it? With other record players, I've just used a wet Q-Tip, but I fear that'd be too rough on this one. So, is the problem what I think it is, and how could I solve it? Or, I might be completely wrong about what is causing this.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated,
David