VCR won't work

1. Unplug the VCR and wait for it to cool down. A warm VCR can cause the tape to expand, making it harder to remove.
2. Locate the cassette holder release button, which is typically located on the front or side of the VCR. Press the button to open the cassette holder.
3. Gently pull the tape out of the VCR using your fingers. If the tape is stuck, try gently rocking it back and forth or wiggling it to loosen it.
4. If the tape is still stuck, try using a pair of tweezers or a pencil to gently push the tape out of the VCR. Be careful not to damage the tape or the VCR.
5. If the above methods do not work, you can try turning the VCR upside down and gently shaking it to try to loosen the tape.
6. If none of the above methods work, you may have to disassemble the VCR to remove the tape. This should be done by a professional as it can cause damage to your equipment and void the warranty.

• VCR refuses to FF or REW and shuts off.
• VCR shuts off entering PLAY or REC or at random during PLAY or REC.
• VCR eats tapes.
• VCR doesn't accept tapes or ejects them without cause.
• Sound is wavery, fluctuating, or muddy.

Your takeup spool isn't moving.  Before tearing into it further try putting the cover back on the deck and power cycling it.  Hit REW and then try ejecting the tape.  If this works, you'll get the tape back but it's likely the deck is dying.

If not, you need to be very careful to get the tape out:  You may be able to turn the wheel that moves the tape basket to gently ease it out;  otherwise, there are screws on the top of the tape basket.  Remove them and gently lift the tape out while carefully unthreading the tape from the tape guides around the head.  There'll be two feet of exposed tape--pretend it's glass, it's delicate!

Now the tape is out and you need to thread it back in the cassette.  This needs patience, but here goes:

On the front of the cassette, there's a door to protect the tape.  Feel the right hand side of the cassette for a small button;  hold it down to open the door and keep it open

With the other hand (or with three hands! :) ) put your hand under the right-hand tape reel under the cassette.  Carefully turn it clockwise.  It will make clicking noises, but it should ease the tape back into the shell.

Beyond that, the cause of the original malfunction will be a bad reel motor, which is probably not fixable, or a bad belt, which you may be able to locate through mcminone.com.  You'll have to unscrew the bottom cover to investigate further.