remove-a-stuck-tape-from-a-quantum-dlt-vs160-tape-drive
the two middle lights are solid orange - and when you press the eject button nothing happens.
after a reboot, during the beginning bios/scsi screens holding the eject button does nothing
Turn off the server
Disconnect the power
Open up the case and disconnect the tape drive from the system (optional)
use another system (just the power supply/mobo/case... optional)
connect the power to the tape drive
try to take apart the shell some (unscrew screws...)
take off the plastic front bit
start up the test system and press the eject button once
Listen to it work really hard... eventually it begins unwinding the tape that's in there and hopefully will eject...
Then, of course, run a cleaning tape and pray that the drive still works...
http://support.thesmithlife.com/DLT/DLTDrive-StuckTape.html
Instructions (While these focus on an external drive it would be the same for an internal drive. You will just need to remove the drive from the server and remove the necessary screws from the DLT drive case - after that the instructions should be identical) Don't be an idiot - remove the power to the drive Remove the outside case. For my Compaq/HP DLT drives this is just four screws on the bottom (Of course I think these are just re-branded Quantum drives) As you are looking at the front of the DLT drive - just inside the case on the top right is a sprint latch. GENTLY pull this back (NOT THE SPRING - JUST THE PLASTTIC). After you have pulled it back a little ways then you should be able to operate the handle to remove the tape. Gently release the latch back into place