Can't read the date/time

There may be a simple explanation. Here are two possible reasons this is happening: * You may have disconnected the power source before turning off the power to your camcorder. If you remove the power source from the camcorder while the power is on, all settings and selections will be erased. Make sure to turn the camcorder's power off before disconnecting the power source. * This is particularly an issue for some early VHS-C camcorders – those with model numbers beginning with a "6" and ending with a "2" or "3" (i.e. CC6xx2 … CC6xx3). These camcorders have a consumer-replaceable clock battery that may be exhausted. If that battery runs dead or is removed and the main battery or AC is not connected, the camcorder will lose all its Date and Time settings. * In some models, the date and time display is designed to do this. When you turn on many VHS-C and digital camcorders, the Auto Date mode will display the time and date. When recording begins, the date is recorded on the tape for 5 seconds and then disappears. In the viewfinder, the date will then be replaced with the words AUTO DATE but they will not be recorded. They remain in your viewfinder so that you know this feature is on. On full-size or VHS camcorders, the Auto Date feature is very similar. When you first turn on the camcorder, the date along with the word AUTO and a Clock icon appear in the viewfinder. When recording begins, the date is automatically recorded for 10 seconds and then disappears. In the viewfinder, the Clock icon and the word AUTO remain but they will not be recorded. They remain so that you are aware that this feature is on. When using the Auto Date feature, be aware that the time is only recorded when you first turn on the camcorder and begin a recording session. It does not record each time you press the record button. There are a number of time and date display and recording options. Since these vary by model number, please refer to your owner’s manual for more details.