Thanks for the input. Will try this out. I have tried several tapes both old and brand new. i use sony miniDV dvm60. I got it at a pawn shop for 100 and it worked great for about 5 months and now this. Was mainly using is as a player for my edit system but i like to shoot too.

Ok even with a new tape it has a ruff sound to it in ff rew and play/recordHas audiable sound and vibration. I did bump it around and it lessened but still got issues.It'll play tapes now but not record and the noise is still there.

E-03 is a warning that the cassette take up drive spindle is not turning properly, and this can in many cases be caused simply by the actual tape used being faulty (internally sticking) so another tape must always be tried. However if another tape doesn't cure the problem then it indicates that the take up mechanism will have to be inspected, which obviously requires an element of dismantling to be carried out. A long shot measure (very!) which sometimes helps is, with the cassette holder open blow air into and around the two spindles area, a hairdryer on its cool setting is ideal for this, as if tape dust contamination is the cause of the problem then this "might" clear it. Another point is, if a camcorder has not been used for a while even if the tape hasn't been left in it (which should never do done anyway) its always best as soon as its loaded in to rewind it completely both ways and "not" try to play it, as the alloy drum could have oxidised slightly causing the tape to drag over it which can also trigger these type of error codes. (E-02 /03) Finally, the continual use of non JVC brands may also cause problems with JVC devices and in particular TDK or Maxell brand tapes, as its known in service circles that there is a high incidence of drive problems where these brands have been used, always stick to JVC - Panasonic or Fuji tapes. PS:- Above said taking it that its only the E-03 error code that is seen, as it should be mentioned that a rogue (false)indication of E-04 is known to appear on non "M" models is caused by the mechanism not fully completing an operation, like for example "loading or unloading" and when this happens mechanism position sensors do not send the appropriate signal to the logic circuits which respond in the way they would if the mechanism was jammed and shut down the system to save damage. To put it in a nutshell, if pressing "slightly" on any part of the mechanism that moves from one position to another (loading door etc), or "lightly" thumping the bottom of the camcorder with your hand does not clear the fault then it requires an element of dismantling to enable proper fault finding to be carried out. Not saying the latter (rogue) applies in your case but it is associated with "D" followed by three digit models and was just mentioned in case it might apply.

the camera is a JVC model # GR-DV500U