Car stereo cassette tape problem?

I have a 98 ford escort i just got as my first car and originally there was a tape stuck in the radio that i just shimmy out if it. When i put a new tape adapter in, the tape mode on the stereo say, no tape. Is it saying that because its not connected to my phone yet or is it another issue? Until i get a new music system, this is all i have. Just the original radio of the car. Also when i push EJ the tape don't eject either. Do you think it maybe something on the inside like a groove or something? If i can know the insides of a tape player and how it works and play the tape, that would help a bunch

The cassette carriage mechanism is simply worm out and does not properly function. Try to refrain for use or you may damage you cassettes.

The player motor is broken. Wait for your new stereo.