When you've sorted the technicals, might I suggest the following.

Make sure you have plenty of room on your P.C.
Pick an interesting looking tape.
Play and record all the way through.
Don't be tempted to spool through the tape.
When the tape has finished inspect the tape heads and guides for oxide dust etc.
With luck there may not be too much, but with old tapes the oxide layer sometimes just falls off. This is why I recommend recording the first play - it may be the last!

It's worth the effort for even a few small snippets.
Good luck.

Andy