DIAGNOSIS The printer’s paper sensor isn’t being triggered, or the pickup rollers have lost their grip. It thinks the tray is empty because it can’t feel or grab the top sheet.
FIX 1) Remove all paper from the tray. 2) Firmly re-stack the paper, making sure all sheets are aligned perfectly. Tap the stack on a flat surface to even the edges. 3) Re-insert the stack, making absolutely sure it’s pushed all the way to the back of the tray under the metal clip. 4) Adjust the paper width guide so it’s just touching the side of the stack—too tight or too loose can cause this. 5) Try raising the paper type lever on the tray to the thicker setting, even for plain paper; this increases the roller pressure.
IF THAT DIDN'T WORK The pickup rollers are worn or dirty. With the printer off, open the rear cover. You’ll see the main rubber pickup roller. Clean it with a cloth dampened with a little distilled water. If the rubber looks smooth or shiny (worn out), you can sometimes get better grip by roughening it slightly with a clean pencil eraser.
HEADS UP Using paper that’s too light (like super thin 16 lb) or too heavy (like cardstock set on the plain paper setting) will confuse the feed mechanism. Stick with standard 20 lb multipurpose paper for best results.