slv n50 not operating and tape is stuck?

after not having used our vcr (sony slv n50 model) in quite a while, one of the grand kids wanted to view an old disney vcr tape so we popped it in the vcr and it started playing for a short while then stopped. the display only showed the current time and an icon indicating that a tape was in the machine, but not running. we tried to eject the tape and nothing happened. tried to turn off the machine and had the same results. then unplugged the machine for at least three minutes (actually more) - turned it upside down as suggested by "sharon" in previous trouble shooting inquiry and when we plugged it back in, the front display indicated the same "vcr tape icon" with a small lettering "ep" to the side of it. to the far right a larger lettering "L2" was also displayed for only 5 seconds and then the display switched to the same current time and the simple "tape in machine" icon. pushed all other buttons with no results. even took the top off the machine (after unplugging) but could not see any levers that would dislodge the tape. plugged the vcr back in and still had the same problem. i really wanna take a hammer to it, but need to get the disney tape out (actually just want it to work - (the vcr really doesn't have many "miles" on it ) help!!!!!

RICK THE VCR CHALLANGED GRANDFATHER
November 2010