Reply #2: remove the batteries from the remote power off the VCR and check

[lastknowngood]

by inserting your finger to see if a tape is present. It sounds as if it is locked in auto rewind and shutoff, which is what happens if you allow a tape to run out. The remote could have a stuck button causing the rewind. If a tape is inside it may be broken and thus faking out the VCR that the tape has run out or reached full rewind. If this doesn't help try powering it on and immediately pushing play to see if it moves tape.
good luck