Panasonic NV HS960 VCR video loading issues?

[crazypizza]

Hi all, need some advice please.

I purchased a relatively great condition Panasonic NV HS960 from eBay which arrived yesterday.

I powered it up and inserted a video to test the VCR. The tape goes in but the VCR tries to push it straight back out and stops halfway.

I've tried powering it off etc. but the issue remains and so far I have been unable to successfully load any tape and play it!
I have no issue with trying to open it up and checking but don't want the seller to use this against me if I return it. I have attached a video displaying the symptoms...any advice would be appreciated and possible causes.

The VCR looks to be in good condition so if its an easy fix I will probably get this fixed rather than return it.

Thanks

[themaster1]

Pretty sure that's your problem:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-I7Bri8Nww

The mode switch encoder forward the state of the cassette (is it loaded ? etc..) infos to the mech parts.
If the mode switch work bad (dirty or broken) no infos and it ejects the cassette (the vcr don't know what to do basically)

That's the first suspect but could also be a cracked gear on the motor

[crazypizza]

Thanks for the link. I will start with the switch first.