da Vinci 1.0 Pro says cartridge 1 is empty even though im not using a cratridge

[curious aardvark]

hit it with a bigger hammer ?

Sounds like it's resorted to the version that didn't allow 3rd party filament.

Try resetting the printer firmware to factory settings. Failing that follow one of the youtube guides to hacking the cartridge - no you shouldn't have to do that, but at least it'll work :-)

[custombuilt15]

lol destruction was my first thought as well, although i was thinkng more train tracks but a big hammer would also do. I will give the firmware reset a try.