Re:-problem - It would appear as though the cassette could either be out of alignment or is jamming the mechanism for some reason or another, so give the undermentioned procedure a try. Before doing so though, push gently on the cassette cover door just in case its not in exactly the correct position that it should be in thereby not triggering a holder position sensor, this being a very fractional thing. If the procedure doesnt work then unfortunately partial dismantling of the case will be necessary to determine the exact cause of the problem. It should also be added that the fact you mention that it tries to eject then stops is more likely to indicate a jamming problem, which even the undermentioned may not cure. ------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Emergency tape release / Cassette holder opening procedure. Take the battery out, then while its still out switch the camcorder "M". Next "HOLD AND KEEP HOLDING" the eject button whilst you reinsert the battery and the holder will (or should) open / tape eject as soon as the battery is reinstalled due to this action by-passing the "fault detected" sensor which triggers a shut down, i.e: a shut down command cannot be triggered without battery power, and so depending on your luck / timing when you reinstall the battery and power is restored your eject command can sometimes take the lead over the sensors signal being acted upon by the logic control circuitry, however you may have to make more than one attempt at this procedure. (also try it without switching the power on, or try it set to "A" rather than "M")