Through trial and error I was able to reset the switch
mechanism to open the casette door housing. This involved switching on and off the instrument using the
power button on top left side of the micro component,
and alternatively the power on switch on the hand control. It was the hand control that released the switch and not the power on button on the instrument. My understanding is that the lock ensued when the power cable was disconnected while the tape was playing. It remained locked even under current to the device, until after the fourth attempt with the on /off sequece was applied using the hand held control. So there seems that there was some laser switch/release that is not powered except through the hand held.
Maybe this explanation will help resolve similar questions/problem with the JVC micro units
Tom, December 2010
