Re: problem mentioned, try this standard procedure, if however it doesnt work then there is another method of activating the loading / unloading motor involving the use of a small battery, however this requires the gaining of access to the top of the said motor and details cannot really be given except by direct e-mail, this because illustrations are involved. (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") Please note all above mentioned assuming that the battery is properly charged and / or that the problem also occurs whilst the mains power unit is connected, plus you do not see any other warnings on the LCD as if you do the procedure may be different depending on what.