Now that your Beta thinks a cassette is loaded inside push the play button and clean the capstan as it rotates using solvent and a chamois swab. (See photo below.) If the capstan has difficult oxide deposits on it take an angled wooden plank and apply solvent to the end. Place it firmly against the rotating capstan and move it around on the deposits until they are completely removed. You might have to do this several times. Make sure that all the debris is eliminated because a dirty capstan can pull the tape through at an angle and cause it to wander around in the tape path. This will cause instability during recording and playback, and also in reverse play, editing, stepping, etc. If the build up of oxide can't be removed or the capstan shaft is cupped, then it will have to be replaced. When the cleaning is done power off your Beta. To go to the next step click here.To go back to the previous panel click here. For more information on the capstan, open the following link: Capstan repair.