Clean the friggin' tape. It isn't rocket science. Take some sunlight, warm water, have at it. Hell use some Dove soap if you are bored or some windex.

Doesn't anyone find things out for themselves anymore or do we all just ask the people who aren't afraid to try anything?

Tape costs $10. Try cleaning the dirty tape as you are about to replace it. See what works. Not offering the simple advice of *gasp* "use soap" isn't a capital offense.