2009 hello kitty AM/FM stereo CD cassette recorder not playing tapes

I recently acquired a second hand CD/cassette/radio player from the thrift store (I was specifically trying to find something with a cassette player bc some of the artists I follow only have physical albums on cassette tapes and I'm trying to build up my physical library) and it plays CDs no problem, but I got my hands on a cassette tape and when I try playing it, it sounds as if I've summoned a demon of radio static.

It's not on the radio setting to be clear, I double checked and switched through the settings just to make sure

The tape is brand spanking new so I don't think it's a problem with the tape, however I don't have another tape to test as of yet

It was suggested to me by my dad to gently clean the tape head with some rubbing alcohol but that has not resolved the issue

UPDATE: Was able to test the cassette tape I have on another cassette player and it is not a problem with the tape, it's something wrong with the player for sure