Abstract: A recording medium loading apparatus has a recording/reproducing mechanism fixedly arranged in a horizontal posture, a lid body disposed in a generally vertical posture in front of a main body, and a guide mechanism for positioning the tray, in association with the opening/closure of the lid body, just above the lid body to load the recording medium when the lid is in the open state and at a position where the recording medium is mounted on the recording/reproducing mechanism to be played when the lid is in the closed state, thereby achieving inexpensive, compact and high-quality operating with high reliability without using a motor.