Just an addition to the reply I made. When I mentioned to try another cassette, I really meant of another Brand, as non JVC tapes can sometimes cause problems in a slightly over critical mechanism. (if non JVC tapes are being used that is!)

E-03 is indicating that the cassette take up spindle is not turning properly, if it also does it with another cassette then the camcorders take up spindle is jamming for some reason, this obviously requiring the case to to separated to investigate the cause.

No I never got any replies and have still not figured this problem out.

I have exactly the same issue you described, but, no solution as of yet. Did you figure out problem? Thanks, Vicki