I buy the Epson generic ink saves some money that way. I've seen generic HP on the shelves.
Some office depot? or office max? stores will refill ink cartridges for cheap if you have any of those around.

I only use the name brand ink if I am doing a special project.

But I do think both cartridges need have some ink or it won't print.

did you try setting it to only print in black & white - no color? jus to test?

and some times my cartridges get dry on the bottom so I have to take then out and clean the opening with a Q tip & alcohol - I just don't use it enough to keep it from getting a clog there i guess.

For plain black & white here's another option - I have a Panasonic {laser} fax/scanner/printer that uses a roll of film instead of ink.
got it at the goodwill store and only had to buy the roll of laser film & download the software for in online.
- no ink to dry out and has lasted for years - it had the manual and was really new looking.

you might go to HP site and see if they have a newer program for the printer or one that will show the ink levels -
Epson has a separate program for showing the ink levels - for the one I have it is separate anyway.


Amazon ink prices for comparison -
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...164_148&fsc=-1