Not to beat a dead horse as I am just getting caught up on email.  I have
also experienced this problem and it was explained to me that the reason the
tape is tried in several different drives is to verify that it isn't a drive
problem but actually a tape problem.  I agree it is a problem because a job
will end if it failed too much.  Please let me know if my understanding is
incorrect

Becky Davidson
Data Manager/AIX Administrator
EDS/Earthgrains
voice: 314-259-7589
fax: 314-877-8589
email: davidsbx AT egr DOT com