diff --git a/src/device/keyboard_xt.c b/src/device/keyboard_xt.c
index f090ff202..d10c8bf1f 100644
--- a/src/device/keyboard_xt.c
+++ b/src/device/keyboard_xt.c
@@ -516,7 +516,7 @@ kbd_write(uint16_t port, uint8_t val, void *priv)
 
                 timer_process();
 
-		if (kbd->type <= 1)
+		if ((kbd->type <= 1) && (cassette != NULL))
 			pc_cas_set_motor(cassette, (kbd->pb & 0x08) == 0);
 
 		speaker_update();
diff --git a/src/machine/m_pcjr.c b/src/machine/m_pcjr.c
index 7a2fda607..c51dbf03a 100644
--- a/src/machine/m_pcjr.c
+++ b/src/machine/m_pcjr.c
@@ -618,7 +618,8 @@ kbd_write(uint16_t port, uint8_t val, void *priv)
 
 		timer_process();
 
-		pc_cas_set_motor(cassette, (pcjr->pb & 0x08) == 0);
+		if (cassette != NULL)
+			pc_cas_set_motor(cassette, (pcjr->pb & 0x08) == 0);
 
 		speaker_update();
 		speaker_gated = val & 1;