A tape cartridge has a tape detection means embedded therein. The tape detection means comprises a plurality of tape identification holes, preferably in octal 06 arrangement, and a single load point hole located about 30 inches from the nearest set of beginning of tape holes. A method of detecting a tape cartridge with a tape detection means embedded therein comprises the steps of: locating a set of beginning of tapes holes; locating a load point hole that is 30 inches from the nearest set of beginning of tape holes; measuring the length of tape between the load point hole and the beginning of tape holes; if the length of tape is between 28 and 32 inches determining whether tape identification holes in octal 06 arrangement are present; and identifying the tape as a valid tape cartridge if the length of tape is between 28 and 32 inches and tape identification holes in octal 06 arrangement are present. An apparatus for detecting a tape cartridge with a tape detection means embedded therein comprises a tape identification transducer for reading and scanning for the tape detection data and a microprocessor electrically connected to the tape idenfication transducer for responding to signals from the transducer.