Liftoff tape doesn't work properly

Push the correction key, and it will automatically lift of the character, just make sure you are using a correctable ribbon with the liftoff tape.

tHE CORRECTION TAPE CARTRIDGE JUST CLIPS ONTO THE BOTTOM OF THE RIBBON CARTRIDGE. THERE IS A CATCH/RELEASE LEVER ON THE FRONT OF THE RIBBON CARTRIDGE.

Look at the L/O tape ifthere are umpressions om the tape either the ribbon is a non correctable or the ribbon and or the L/O tape are old and outdated.

DickyO

The ribbon may not be fully seated on the ribbon deck. The blue latch has to hol it in place.

DickyO

You may have a very old correction tape or ribbon, a non correctable ribbon or it isn't properly installed
Go to LEXMARK.COM for a downloadable manual.

DickyO

You may have a very old L/O or ribbon. The ribbon may be a non correctable the knob must be orange, yellow or violet. Not blue or red.

DickyO

If everything was working befor the ribbon & L/O change Either the L/o is not properly attached to the ribbon or the ribbon and or L/O are old. Make some corrections then remove and look at the L/o, if the letters are near the center of the L/O the problem is the ribbon or L/o is old, if the print is on the top of the tape it is not properly attached to the ribbon or not coming out or the cassette properly.
If you have a fresh set or another T/W that works swap the ribbons and look at how they are attached.

For a picture ngo to lexmark.com and click your way to publications you will find a downloadable manual there.

DickyO

Since it hasn't been used in quite a while the lubrication in the machine has become gummy & sticky. The cam that operates the backspace is being activated, but the arm that drives the backspace mechanism isn't being pulled on.

Machine needs a deep cleaning and oiling and then readjusting to correct this problem. (Don't spray WD-40 in it...makes it worse !)

(This repair is usually beyond what a non-technician can do.)

check that it did not twist when put on, the shiny side must face you.

I can send you acopy of a ww30 manual for 25.00

DickyO