ZR300 won't load tapes

[rsmosher]

I have recently begun building a library of my images and movies. But when I try to access the memory tapes that I recorded with my ZR300, it refuses to load the tapes. I know the tapes are old, but is the problem maybe with the tapes? Or the camcorder? Any advice?

[rsmosher]

I have been trying to move to a larger capacity memory card for storage in my ZR300 camcorder, but every one that I try larger than the original 256MB card returns a Card Error message. I have tried inserting the cards as is, and also formatted the cards before inserting them, but nothing has worked. Is there a limitation in the ZR300, restriction on card types, or something else that I am missing? What gives?

[kvbarkley]

What exactly happens? I have a camcorder that will load and "play" but no signal comes out, I believe the head is dirty.

[rsmosher]

I insert the tape and close the compartment, it hesitates, then beeps and says Remove Casssette. It refuses to load.

[kvbarkley]

Sounds like a mechanical failure due to some sensor. It is probably not worth fixing. Since this is a one-time thing, it might be better to let a service like Legacy Box do the transfer.