Thanks again everyone...

Got a cleaning tape on order, and found the manual via PDF so I have it running a r/w dianogstic now...

I did find, as mentioned by you helpful peeps, it does for sure require a cleaning cartridge - but supposedly it won't let you even load a cleaning tape unless the front display shows a 'C' - which it doesn't - so not sure what it is yet...

But - the dianostic should let me know...

Thanks all,

RRP