Video Cassett hung in VCR?

I just had a tape stuck in a VCR/TV combo so went on the Internet for help and all other answers were to take the top off the VCR which of course is not possible with a tv combo.

While stuck the the power would turn on it would just emit a low moan-whining noise for a few seconds starting strong then running down and then power off. Couldn't watch TV in that state, it would automatically power off.

So I got down comfortable on the floor eye level with the input slot with the flapping door cover and pressed the power button then quickly with my fingers of one hand inserted them in the tape load slot and using my middle fingers continously began pushing up on the top edge of the cassette in a stiff but quick flicking motion over and over again (like trying to physically force the tape up with intermittent prodding short and quick strokes so it could clear the lip if the eject mechanism kicked in) while simultaneously pressing and holding the eject button with my other hand and after a few tries and 5 or six upward prods on the front top edge of the cassette the eject mechanism activated and spit out the tape.

Sharon
June 2007