No tape icon when the tape is installed

Have you push down the cassette tray before closing the lid?

Alot of times dirty tape heads can cause this issue. Try loading a Digital Head Cleaning Cassette into the unit, and let it clean the heads. Many times this will solve the problem. Also, make sure it's not the 'wet-type' cleaners, as this will cause damage.

For the record issue, make sure the tapes do not have the prevent erasure tabs set - this is on the bottom of the tape, and is looks like a tab that says ERASE OFF or SAVE.

Not much else that can cause this issue. Never force the tape into the unit, and never hit the unit to get it to work. If nothing works, then I would suggest taking into a service center for diagnosis.

Hope this helps some.

TWEAK A/V LAB