Abstract: A compact tape cassette player includes a base member defining a channel for slidably receiving a cassette, and a tape transport assembly mounted on a support plate which moves vertically relative to the base plate for engagement and disengagement with a cassette. A lever assembly normally holds the support plate in a raised inoperative position but when the lever assembly is moved against a spring force to an operative position upon insertion of the cassette it allows the support plate to drop into driving engagement with the cassette and latch the lever assembly in the operative position. An eject slide is manually operable to cam the support plate to an inoperative position whereupon the lever assembly is released to eject the cassette.