In answer to your question, I am a dictation engineer so I can confirm that this fault with the Sanyo TRC-8080 / 8800 is a motor problem. This machine has 2 motors, one motor operates the rewind and fast forward (this rarely goes faulty)
The other motor operates the play function. It is the play motor that needs replacing. It may also require a motor control chip replacing as this can be damaged due to the motor going faulty.
Dictation engineer - Premicom Ltd
Paul
June 2008