Won't accept a tape

SOURCE: tape won't load

There are different designs on how this works. One design there is a small pin inside that detects if you have the right tape installed. It has a very small spring which allows it to move back and forth it may have broken with normal use. (it happens) With a small flashlight look very carefully inside. You may or may not be able to see it. It may be located under the alum carrier and hidden. Worth a look. If you find it try to reattach the spring if in fact you see it. But I doubt you can because you need to get goo access to it. In any case, you most likely will need to take it in for repair. The tape carriers for these cameras are fragile and easily damaged. Wish I could give you and easy fix.

SOURCE: "REMOVE THE CASSETTE" displays when I put in a tape.

Same problem appears on another thread at fixya.com
http://www.fixya.com/support/t260350-tape_acceptance

villagidit posted a solution there that worked for me.

The same problem exists apparently on the ZR200 which is where villagidit found the solution.

Basically all it involves is thumping on the side opposite the display. I tried the thump once with no effect. I gave it two more thumps and the problem went away. Not really a solution. But it was satisfactory for me to be able to get the camcorder working long enough to transfer all my DV video onto DVDR..

Seems something comes loose in these Canon camcorders (presumably a connector of some sort.) There are 10 votes for this solution on the other thread as of 5/19/2008.

SOURCE: won't except tape

I have a ZR100 that did the same nearly the same thing - but it was only beeping twice. I followed the advice another thread suggested - I banged it twice on the opposite side from the door but it didn't fix it. Then I banged it twice on the side with the tape door.... and now all is well!

I couldn't believe that "fixed" it. Like banging the ol' tube color TV on the side to fix the picture. Maybe it is short lived, but if it holds for the rest of this year until the camcorder Christmas sales begin, I'll be happy!

SOURCE: Remove tape error message

1. Condensation is detected – If condensation is detected by the camcorder, the “Remove the Cassette” warning may occur.
2. Component failure – If an electrical or mechanical component in the camcorder fails, the safety mode may activate to prevent any further damage to the camcorder.
3. Sand or grit damage – The camcorder’s tape drive mechanism consists of many tiny gears. Sand or grit can cause a gear to jam and stop turning. This will cause the camcorder's safety mode to activate.
4. Impact damage – If a camcorder is accidentally dropped or bumped against a hard surface, it is possible that a misalignment of the tape drive mechanism may occur.
5. Liquid damage – If either the camcorder or the tape is exposed to water or any other liquid, a variety of malfunctions may result. Please avoid this situation.
6. Improper videotape insertion – If a tape is forced into the cassette compartment, or if the cassette compartment is pressed down while the tape is loading, damage may occur to the tape drive mechanism. Please refer to the User's Manual.
7. Damaged or defective tape – If a tape becomes damaged, please discontinue its use.

1. Eject the videotape
   Insert a new or known good videotape. If the message does not persist, it is possible that the tape was damaged. If the camcorder still displays the message with a new tape, please proceed to step 2.
2. If condensation had been detected causing the Remove the Cassette warning, remove the cassette, and allow at least one hour for the moisture to dry.

SOURCE: canon xl1

I had the exact same problem; my tape icon was flashing red with a line through it and the recorder would not record, no matter how hard I begged it to. After a full day of frustration, I called the videographer who had used it previously. There is a little trick.

1. Open the exterior tape door with the "Eject" button.
2. Wait, dont touch the tape. The little metal encasement will pop over and open within a few seconds.
3. To properly put the tape in, insert tape, push the little metal door that sais "Push this first".
4. Then push the exterior door closed.

Voila! Thats all there is to it!