LG VCR eating tape

i have an lg vcr/dvd combo device and if insert a tape and press play it starts spooling tape into the device just after the capstan/pinch roller instead of back into the tape housing. reason is that my take up reel is not spinning. but it's not because of a broken gear or what have you, it's because the tape is not fully seating down on the right side. if i press that side down with a finger or an object placed there, everything works perfectly. FF, FR, play, pause.. all good. but from videos i just can't figure out what causes pressure to be exerted down in the tray mechanism. since it's working perfectly with the workaround i'm not sure about fully disassembling it in hopes of figuring out what causes the hiccup. if anyone of you ever encountered something like that and can tell me which spring, belt or whatever might be the cause i'd be really thankful