epson perfection 2580 no longer works Ubuntu 20.04

[Linux for blind general discussion]

Good day,
As this scanner was at one time recommended for, I think, Openbook users, 
I am asking here in desperation.
scanimage -L shows the scanner.
sane-find-scanner shows it too.
Some times after power up, with scanimage, I get as far as
"scanner warming up, waiting 8 seconds".
Then it always gives: "Error during device I/O".
Things already checked:
1. It is not the cable or USB port.
2. The firmware is correct.
3. The permissions seem fine.
Has any one come across this?
If so, have you solved it?
Any ideas welcome.
Regards, Willem