Will no longer allow tape to load

The fault seems to be in the sensor and the mode switch of the loading system which is connected with the main controller processor and loading driver.
This can be a failure of the tape end detector which is a IR - infra red- emitter which is placed in the center of the tape tray and MUST feed continuous signal to the END IR detectors placed at either ends.
Also the tape seems to load with a false detection of the cassette within when the tray is closed for this reason of the failure along with a possible misplaced mode switch settings. This triggers to make the loading move without a reason and so can be due to failure of the the mode switch or unbalanced settings.You will need some experience to remove the tray unit, then check on the IR sensors and also check the settings of the loading drive and mode switch.

It could be a couple of different issues. These things could help.
(1) Power OFF the camera, remove battery then replace the battery, power up the cam and try to eject tape again. Nothing? try...
(2) Gently press inward on the tape cover with both thumbs a few times. Then, while pressing gently inward with one hand, press the release/eject-tape function until you hear a click or release sound. Then, if it doesn't open automatically, gently "help" open the hatch.

If it remains stuck, after follwing these steps a few times it would be my guess that perhaps the camera has been dropped in a way that jammed the mechanism controlling the eject function.

TIPS that may prevent having eject problems: When loading tape, be sure to insert the tape correctly and slowly, makeing sure the tape is placed properly. Gently press on the specific location indicated to close the tape holder, and wait for the tape to "seat" properly before closing any other part of the tape cover or hatch mechanism. Taking a few extra seconds when loading the tape can save extended frustration later.

That error means that something is out of alignment or stuck in the tape mechanism. You have two options: to have the camera inspected and repaired, OR if you don't want to do that and feel you don't have anything to lose do this:
Remove the tape.
Close the tape door completely.
Close the LCD.
Turn the camera off.
Remove the battery.
Give the camera a good firm smack or two on each side with the palm of your hand.
Power the camera up and try the tape again.

It sounds crazy, but doing that can possibly help unjam whatever mechanism is locked up.
This has worked for many people.
Hopefully it will take care of your situation too.

mechanism is faulty.flex cable (FP-031-12) is broken. replace complete mechanism or flex cable (FP-031-12) by any service person

I have a sony cam myself. If the cam is empty, you open the outer door(swings out), and the load/unload mechanism rises up and pops open allowing tape insertion. When a cassette is placed into the mechanism, you press where it says "push" and then the drive pulls the tape down and into the unit. Then the outer door is closed and you're ready to tape. IF YOU PUSH DOWN ON THE TAPE WHILE IT'S BEING PULLED INTO THE UNIT IT WILL STRIP GEARS INSIDE. The gears are made of nylon to prevent serious damage to motors and other circuitry. This transport setup cannot be forced at all. If any type of mis-alignment occurs, the mechanism is supposed to stop and back up--allowing the problem to be corrected. If it is damaged, the cam must be repaired. There is critical timing involved in replacing the tape carriage.---Rick

I have the same problem. If I remove the battery for a few seconds, then replace the battery and wait about 5 seconds, the tape compartment closes.

I had a similar issue where the tape bay would not lock in and engage the motor mechanism to load the tape. I removed the battery from the unit and let it stand for approximately a minute then reinserted the battery. The tape drawer closed first without a tape then reopened with no issue. I then inserted a new tape with no issue. I guess it needed a hard reboot.

I had the same Problem. My Solution was i open the camera, then i take the batery away. I put the tape into and close the camera, then i put the battery into and the camera close with the tape

Was having a similar problem but the tape would not even partially load. Spent several hours, over the course of several days trying to figure how to fix this and found the following solution to a similar problem on this site. I tried it as a last resort...it worked! Now I just need to figure out what to tell my wife when she asks me "how" I fixed the camera???? Here is what I did...I allowed the mechanism to close without a tape inserted (the only way it WOULD close), gave it a solid - but gentle - whack on the tape side of the camcorder with the palm of my hand...sort of like burping a baby. I said a little prayer to the saint of hopeless causes (St. Jude Thaddeus)...slid the open/eject button, opened the door, slid a tape in, gently pushed it down (where it says "push") and ...the mechanism closed!!! Not sure if the "fix" will last but we'll see and report back if the problem crops up again.

something is blocking the mechanism and not letting it load or the mode switch is bad and the mechanism dosent know where it is. These camcorders are common for this type of problem and these days Im sorry to say that most places charge an arm and a leg just to look at them. good Luck