I get the camera cover to open, but the camera

Check the tape carefuly. on the flat side of the cassette that faces upwards when you insert the cassette in the camera there is a 'record protect' switch which is coloured red. if it has completely covered the hole then it is in the 'save position' .in that case you wont be able to record.to record , flip the switch outwards with your finger nail. it should now expose the small hole. you are now set to record. please make sure that you set the mode select switch on the camera to 'camera' position.