Epson Stylus Color 850 does not work with its black ink light blinking

[Furiet]

As well with a Mac Performa 5200 under OS 8.6 as with a Mac PWB 266
MHz under OS X 10.2.4, after a perfect functioning for several years,
I always get the same message when I try to print on an Epson Stylus
Color 850 :
The printer does not answer.Be sure that the printer is ready and
connected to the computer with the right cable."
I have checked the connection, I didn't change the cable which has
worked perfectly since I bought this printer, the green light meaning
the printer is ready is on.
The only abnormal condition is that the black ink cartridge light is
blinking, meaning that this cartridge will soon be empty : I bought a
new one, but I can't change the old one, the Epson doc telling not to
change the cartridge until the light is permanently on, not blinking,
meaning that the cartridge is empty. But i can't empty this cartridge
since I can't print : it is a typical ead embrace ?

 

[Guest]

You can change the cartridge any time you want. The light does not have to
be on solid. Hold down the middle paper button until you hear it start to
move and the cart. will move to the middle for you to replace the cartridge.
If you took the cart out already then it has lost track of how much ink is
in the cart.