Won't power with AC or Battery...no charging light...how can I get tape out.

It sounds as if your battery is shot. If it does it with any battery then that's not the case, of course, but a Batteries Plus store can test it for you or you can just order a replacement from Amazon. I've had good luck with Wasabi Power replacement batteries from Amazon.com.

is the unit charging but you cant see the light for charging or it's not charging at all?

If your Sony camcorder displays a tape transport or mechanical error code always try resetting the camcorder. This is done by removing the battery or ac power, wait 10 seconds, reapply the battery or ac power and try again. If it still goes into error try another tape. The camcorder will not always display an exact error code. Sometimes you may see an error message such as, "Reinsert the cassette", on the LCD screen. This is the camcorders way of saying, "Take the tape out and try again." Try reloading the same tape as well as a new tape. If the camcorder is still going into error this means it is time to send it in for service or repair.
The camcorder may also sometimes display a "Reattach Power Source." This is the camcorders way of saying,"Try resetting my system,so I can try again." Many people mistaken this error and think they have a problem with the battery or ac adapter. This is not true and has nothing to do with your battery or ac adapter. Reset the camcorder by removing the battery or ac power, wait 10 second, reapply the battery or ac power. If the error reappears the unit needs to be serviced or repaired.

This is usually caused by a failed component in the power circuit within the camera and can usually be repaired fairly inexpensively. However, it's not a user serviceable problem and will need to be repaired qualified service technician.

My name is Rick and I'm a professional repair technician with over 20 years in the business and have repaired many of these. I

Ok, let's try the "easy fixes" first. When this problem happens, it can be a oxidized power switch contact, or oxidized battery contacts on the camera. Clean the battery contacts and the contacts on the camcorder with an eraser gently (they are gold plated). See if the camcorder works now. The next step is only if you're not planning on taking the camcorder apart. There are times when you can give the camcorder a slightly hard "whack" with the palm of your hand, somewhere near the power switch, while the power switch is on, and if the camera works, then you know it's most likely a dirty or oxidized contact inside. See if you can get it working with these methods. If you can't, you will have to disassemble the camcorder or have it serviced. Get an estimate if you get it serviced, since it can be expensive, and you might just opt for a replacement.

I had the same problem and canon fixed it no charge,there was a recall on this check out the link and follow the instructions
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&fcategoryid=227&modelid=9739&keycode=2112&id=48266

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=PgComSmModDisplayAct&fcategoryid=225&modelid=13390&keycode=2112&id=29819

Steps for removing the tape from a totally dead ZR85:
1. Turn camera upside down.
2. Move "Open/Eject" button to full right position (toward lens).
3. Manually push tape door open.
4. On the metal surface that sits between you and the tape, there is a very small screw. There is probably a yellow sticker next to the screw that says "Do not press on this part". With a small jewelry phillips screwdriver, remove that screw.
5. Push the metal plate (with tape) in the direction ofr the door and lift slightly. The metal assembly holding the tape comes loose, exposing the top of the tape.
6. Pull the tape upwards (out of the camera). At this point, the tape will still be engaged in the play heads. With the cartridge out far enough to see the heads, reach in with your jewelry screw driver and carefully lift the tape over the heads, and free from the camera.
7. Use the eraser on the end of a pencil to wind your tape back into the cartridge.
8. When re-assembling the mechanism in the camera, there are two curved slots on both sides of the piece you took loose. You'll need to thread these onto two posts inside before you place the top back in position and put the screw back in.

I found a temporary solution for this problem. When the tray with the cassette tape comes out remove the battery so that the tray will not go inside again. Now on top of the tray it will be written as "PRESS" just adjucent to it you can see a spring connected to the tray just press the string down wards and the tray opens and you can replace the battery. Hope this can help.

I had a similar thing happen to me...the video would not come one when I turned it on, but the audio would work, and it would play back tape fine. I happened upon the following solution (though I don't know how long it will last). I charged the camera, and then noticed it worked fine when the charger was plugged in. As soon as I unplugged it, the video would go black. So...I plugged it in, turned it to record, and unplugged it, and it worked! Almost like something got reset. I have no idea how long this will last, or if it means the battery is going...but, give it a try!