Hi,
 
	Locate your spectrum.ini file within your mame installation folder and overwrite the scripting options part with this..
 
	 
 
	# 
	# SCRIPTING OPTIONS 
	# 
	autoboot_command          j""\n  
	autoboot_delay                  4 
	autoboot_script            
	console                                0 
	plugins                                 1 
	plugin                     
	noplugin        
 
	Then when mame has booted into the Spectrum and the sequence is complete press "F2" to simulate pressing play on the tape, I am pretty sure this can be automated too, but unsure how to make it happen, even though i have it auto playing  tapes on other systems.