Disk cartridge loading mechanism in a recording and reproducing apparatus

A recording and reproducing apparatus has a loading mechanism for loading a disk cartridge, which is inserted in a cartridge holder, between an eject position and an operative load position. The loading mechanism has a load lever which pivots the holder to the load position when the disk cartridge is inserted to push against a portion of a cam plate and move it rearwardly in the apparatus. The apparatus has only one tension spring between the load lever, which is angularly movable between an eject position and a load position, and the cam plate which can bear on the cartridge. The tension spring angularly biases the load lever toward the load position and biases the cam plate toward an opening through which the cartridge is inserted.