Question : Problem: Tape randomly will not eject

I have a tape backup system using semantic backup exec 10. It has been working fine for the last few years, but all of a sudden last week it did not want to eject the tape. After some googling I found out how to reset the tape drive with out powering down the computer (hold the eject button for 28 seconds).

I then cleaned the drive, placed a new tape in the drive and started a new backup... the same thing happened. I then shut the server down, took it apart, unplugged the tape drive (threatened it with a hammer) then plugged everything back in. It worked fine for 4 days and now it is back to now wanting to spit out the tape and the only way to get it out is by holding the eject button for 28 seconds.

Is this a hardware failure? Is it time to get a new tape drive? If so any recommendations? (would rather not have to replace it though.

Thanks

Answer : Problem: Tape randomly will not eject

Is this only happening with the one tape? If it is then try a new tape and see if you have the same issue. My guess still is hardware on the drive.