Posts: 899
Threads: 193
Joined: Jan 2005
Assuming the tape is properly threaded, and there are no problems with the drive, you should not be able to run the tape off.
The way it is supposed to work is that the light shines on the tape. Because the tape is not transparent, the light is blocked and the motor continues to turn. When the tape holes pass over the light, the light passes through the tape and and the light is reflected to the sensor. That will be the signal to shut the tape off.
"unexpected beginning of tape" is an error that I usually associate with old tapes. Old tapes often have missing oxide and hence it looks like many holes where they are not supposed to be. But you say these are new tapes. Have you inspected the tapes to verify that there is no missing oxide or transparent spots on the tape?
