My vcr does not play the tape

The most likely cause is a problem with the mechanism that moves the tape(when played a bit more weight is on the takeup reel.

Someone would have to open the unit so they can see the reels moving---watch to see if it begins to hesitate when further into the tape.

A trick that can help to see is put a fully rewound tape in and hit fast forward--let it go all the way to the end and rewind--if unit does not stop after doing that see what happens in play.

A worn drive unit that moves the tape can sometimes get better after run this way.

The video head is dirty or there is a compatability issue with the vcr to the computer. Buy T120 blank tape, set vcr tape speed to sp, put blank tape in the machine and press the play button and let play right through, repeat if no change, if after the second run there is no improvement, check the video cable connection from vcr to computer, if okay! maybe compatability issue.

Does it eject right when you put a tape in? Or when you press play? Does it fast forward or rewind? if not a belt may need to be replaced or an idler tire is worn.

well if the vcr is hooked up and you can watch a show on it put in a tape that has a movie on it then press play if you can see the show take out that tape put in your blank tape find the show on your tv u wish to record press record try this before the show comes on record a little bit of a show like 30 sec or so then rewind and play back to see if it did record if it did just repete this when the show that you want to record comes on hope this is helpfull....

Sounds like the guideposts need realignment to center the tracking or something got bent in the tape jam removal, check the tape path!. Also could try a take apart cleaning of the head with a piece of paper and some alcohol.

You're describing what could be a loose or worn loading belt problem, most of the vcr mechanisms used in these combos use one to load the tape and thread it for it to play or record, that is why you have to keep puhing the tape untill the machine accepts the tape and you have to keep pressing play untill it starts the play function.

Hi Diane,
Just downloaded the manual for your vcr it says:

1 Press menu

2 press up/down arrows to Function Set then press ok

3 press channel up/down arrows to Auto picture then press Ok or shuttle plus right arrow to set to on or off when using rental tapes set either to on or off to give the best picture

4 to return to normal press menu

For recording

1 load a cassette make sure the tab on the cassette is intact if not put some cellotape over the hole

2 set channel press up/down arrows then press enter

3 select tape speed sp/ep

4 press and hold rec and press play on remote or just press record on unit

5 to pause recording (cut out ads) press pause on remote to continue again press play

6 to stop recording just press the stop button

hope this helps and reflects in my feedback lol all the best
Jim Scott

I had a similar problem with a Panasonic VCR. It would not eject the tape and gave an error code. I found that the door does not quite fully open, so that the top of the tape hits the door and cannot eject. If I turn off and then turn on the VCR the error code disappears. Then I press the eject button and simultaneously hold the door fully open with one finger until the tape starts to eject and clears the door.

you posted 2 different problems here...
to answer this one ". The tape is stuck, won't eject and I'd like to get it out without damaging the VCR unit."...open unit, find motor that moves tape ejector and spin that motor by hand (power off)

the other problem, "the VCR will not insert a tape. It keeps rejecting it."...open unit and fully turn ejection motor until home position is reached...this is a home sensor switch not being activated.

This is a snap, as long as you have a second VCR if not you can't do it.

1. Hook the out put line(s) from VCR1 to the input line(s) on VCR2.
2. Put recorded tape into VCR1 and press play.
3. Set VCR2 to the channel that VCR1 is playing on, it's usually 3 or 4.
4. rewind the recorded tape and put the blank into VCR2.
5. Press record on VCR 2 and play on VCR1.
if you want an exact copy stop here. . . or
6. pause VCR2 when ever something comes up you don't want to record, ie a commercial if you'r re-recording a movie from TV. be for warned though each time you re-record an analog recording, like a VHS tape, the audio and vido tracks get further and further apart. After about the second or third time you re-record a tape you'll hear something before you see it, or vice-versa. I hope this helps you out.