Dan, your cable either came loose or broke causing your lever not to engage. This is the reason for loose belt which is normal until blades are engaged. You probably need to drop the deck,with height adjustment lever, to lowest level, preferably on garage floor.You may have to remove deck pins, slide belt off and remove deck from under mower, same as in changing blades if you can't get to the cable.
bob kershey, June 2012
