Sony DSR-1800A Record Inhibit when any tape is inserted

Hi All,
newbie here...found a couple of similar posts but no definitive answers. I buy and sell used SD gear and I just received an 1800A deck with the following issues - whenever any tape is inserted the REC INHIBIT light is on regardless of tape selector.
I also have a pc/video capture issue as well but one thing at a time! Appreciate if you or anyone have a solution to this.
I also made sure (many times) that the menu setting was 'OFF'
When the menu setting is changed the red light will come on and off on front of machine, it is ONLY when the tape is inserted that it comes on(regardless of tape rec/save selector). Someone mentioned I need ME tapes but am using both DVCAM 124 Advanced ME (full size) and Premium MiniDV 60's with same result. Both tapes record fine in a DSR-30 I also have in stock at the moment. Am reluctant to send for service as the hours are so low (30 on the drum) so it hasn't seen much usage.
Thanks for any help. Am posting this in DV & Broadcast forums.

Russell Gough
Daytona Cameras Inc.
www.daytonacameras.com