You must have a malfunctioning unit, I've had 2 Cavaliers (a 2000 with CD+Cassette Player, and 2003 CD player) And both decks, while not the most powerful, were decent systems IMO. I'm not even thinking of replacing my 2003's deck for awhile because I'm quite satisfied with it. I've never had an error message come up and yes I skip through my tracks quite a bit and even on personally burned cds, they run fine. I'd say go to a junkyard or ebay and get a new 2000+ deck from another Cavalier for the cheapest solution, or use it as the perfect excuse to get a new deck in there
If you need any info on replacing your deck with an aftermarket one hit me up. Though a 2000+ stock unit from another Cavalier would just be plug and play.