It needs to be on in order to hear. This needs to be off in order to play a tape. This needs to be OFF in order to play a tape. Is the Speed Control turned clockwise. If set too slow, there may be no sound.
Machine clicks off after playing once forwards and then in reverse.
Machine will not run. Make sure Pause Button is off. Press Play and Record buttons at the same time. The red light should glow when you are to begin recording. Plug the Microphone into the Microphone jack, and place it 2 to 4 feet from those who are being recorded.