Tape loaded normally but now won't eject. The unit just powers off after a few seconds.

It's not loading correctly. You need to open the cover (unplug first) and get familiar with the loading mechanism. You can get the tape out by rotating the loading motor wheel.

go to mcmelectronics.com and order the replacement belt kit. then google your model number on alignment pdf. Your mechanism is out of alignment due to bad belts

This could be due to the VHS tape sticking on the tape reel, that triggers the overload and the shutdown. Try fast forwarding if possible.

Two things. First there is some damage to the tape transport mechanism. Only a good look around will confirm this. Secondly a faulty mode switch.

It could be a couple of different issues. These things could help.
(1) Power OFF the camera, remove battery then replace the battery, power up the cam and try to eject tape again. Nothing? try...
(2) Gently press inward on the tape cover with both thumbs a few times. Then, while pressing gently inward with one hand, press the release/eject-tape function until you hear a click or release sound. Then, if it doesn't open automatically, gently "help" open the hatch.

If it remains stuck, after follwing these steps a few times it would be my guess that perhaps the camera has been dropped in a way that jammed the mechanism controlling the eject function.

TIPS that may prevent having eject problems: When loading tape, be sure to insert the tape correctly and slowly, makeing sure the tape is placed properly. Gently press on the specific location indicated to close the tape holder, and wait for the tape to "seat" properly before closing any other part of the tape cover or hatch mechanism. Taking a few extra seconds when loading the tape can save extended frustration later.

Unplug the power supply for thirty seconds and plug back in, this will reset the processor and might eject the tape. If this fails the next step is remove the top of the combo unit this will give access to the vcr tape, if the tape is spewed in the machine and wrapped around the video head and other mechanical parts use scissors to cut the tape and carefully removing the particles, press power to eject the tape for normal operation. However! if the vcr tape is okay, there may be a loading problem, broken drive belt, bad idler assembly to name a few, this is where a technician will be needed but may not justify cost.

While the tape may appear to be loading properly, it is not. These units have a known problem with the grease at the loading arm getting sticky. This means that the tape is not loaded properly and will not move through the VCR properly. This is detected as the hubs not moving and the unit will eject the tape to prevent damage. This is a simple repair for anyone that has done these before, but requires an alignment check. This check requires a special alignment tape and equipment.

This should be a labor only repair.

Dan

It sounds like the cassette is not releasing the tape so the machine can put it around the heads. This could damage the machine. Don't use it. A two dollar tape is not worth damaging your vcr. Throw it away.

It sounds like the tape door is out of alignment, causing stress on the tape and the inside mechanical system.  Requires a visit to the service shop.

First power off the unit, then remove the DV's tape housing , power up the unit, and allowed the mechanism to go back to the unload mode, make sure that the tape posts are at unload mode. then unplug the vcr back again, put back the tape's housing in the load position (tape in) power the vcr back on and push eject button to reset tape mechanism.