Just like the title reads, the take up spool isn't moving during play, but the pinch wheel and capstan move. It does however move if you press the FF button. I don't even know what to do with this thing anymore. I don't have any money to replace it, but I use it for everything. It just ate my really expensive tape, and now I'm pissed. I would love for someone on here to help me with this (even though no one helped me the last time).