howdy... Just had the same problem... Over an hour i've been fiddlin' with that belt and all the inner mechanics... I read your question whilst searching for the answer and it made me laugh. Anyway...
Here's how you do it:
1. Take the matt off.
2. Take the platter off (the turntable with the two square holes at each side)
3. Turn this (the platter) over and wrap the belt around the large cylinder on the underside (no fiddlin with the inner mechanics)
4. replace platter
5. Rotate platter until one of the holes reveals the brass motor pulley.
6. Pull the belt over the motor pulley
7. Replace matt
Hey Presto!
End of frustration.
End of message.
Aaron, April 2008