Technics SL-5 Turntable

[a2vr6]

Ok, i hope this is in the right spot.
Well, i went over to my parent's house and picked up an old Technics SL-5 turntable and some various records to listen to. I got home and plugged everything in, but when i go to play a record, the repeat light flashes and won't play. any suggestions as to what is not right?

thanks in advance,
Jeff

 

[Evanston Wade]

I've got this turntable; it has a 'record detection' device that sticks up out of the mat. Perhaps this is broken?