Camcorder: Sony DCR-TRV265E PAL

Problem: I had recorded about 30 mins worth of film on 4 different occasions onto a brand new tape, all of the earlier footage played back perfectly.

After recording the last part of the footage, I tried to view it on both the viewfinder and LCD screen, but grey horizontal bands appeared across the image. I checked the earlier footage but this now was affected in the same way.

After consulting the instructions I decided to buy a Sony head cleaner to remedy the problem and after cleaning for 10 seconds cleaning, playback showed a blue screen and the tape counter didn't display any numbers.

So where is my footage?

I have since recorded footage and it plays back perfectly.

I only have one recording tape so there is no chance I could have accidently swapped the tape.

Is it possible to wipe all footage accidently?

I do not have a lens cap so if I had hit record accidently it would show something.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.