Problem loading a tape into an external DLT 80

[CA1281925]

I screwed up while trying to change tapes. Now the "Operate Handle" light flashes and won't let me load the tape. I tried the troubleshooting suggestion of lowering and raising the handle twice, but that didn't work. Any advise?

Thanks in advance,
Janet

[CA713937]

There was a change in the firmware that puts the drive in a low power state if the tape is unloaded but not removed after a number of minutes.

Here's the details:

QUESTION:
Is there a problem if I cannot lift the unload handle and the green operate handle LED is flashing?

ANSWER:
An improved LED sequence was introduced with V89 firmware. If the unload handle is not operated within ten minutes of a back up completing, the drive enters a low power mode and the unload handle is locked. The amber In use LED is illuminated and the green Operate Handle LED flashes. To unload the tape the unload button should be pressed and the green Operate Handle LED will illuminate and the unload handle can be operated after two seconds.

There is no change to the unload process if carried out within ten minutes of a backup completing.

This is documented here:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?locale=en_US&taskId=110&prodSeriesId=42869&prodTypeId=12169&objectID=c00216567