Yes, I am holding those keys down and explaining that I had gotten past that part but neglected to wait for all the tests to run so I might try that.
The tape did seem to have a bit of slack on first inspection like it was loose but I'll have to rewind and see if it still looks that way since I opened the package and started messing with it.
Unfortunately I do not have any other tapes on hand or a way to record my own to continue testing it. I will get some isopropyl and give my tape recorder a cleaning because I haven't done any of that yet.
Thanks for all the advice. I am interested in the machine and would like to play some games and experience what it was like to run programs off of a cassette. It blows my mind that it's possible.