PSP 5.50 Gen B2 won't update to Gen C

[LaserShark]

I just got a new psp 2000 with a Ta-088v1 motherboard. I'm trying to install cfw Gen D3 on it, but I can't get past Gen C. Whenever I try and flash the firmware it gets to about 75% and then bricks.  I've bricked my psp at least 10 times so far.
I KNOW that the R trigger isn't functioning perfectly and often acts like it's pressed down continuously.
Could this be causing my psp to brick?

[SN!P3R]

Does the PSP go to recovery when you boot it?

[LaserShark]

yeah, it does. I know it does this because the R button is continuously activated.

[SN!P3R]

Just get a new conductive pad for the abxy and r-trigger

[LaserShark]

I'm going to, but do you think that has anything to do with my psp bricking?
It should be able to flash the firmware fine, but it keeps freezing