If you press the Play button on the DR-880 and the patterns do not playback, it's possible that the MIDI Sync Mode in the DR-880 is set to "External." Change this setting to "Auto" with the Steps below. This will allow the DR-880 to play its patterns when pressing the play button. Here's how:

1. Press EDIT.

2. Press the cursor right button repeatedly  to highlight the "MIDI" icon, and then press ENTER.

3. Cursor down to "Sync Mode."

4. Turn the VALUE dial to choose "AUTO."

5. Press EXIT when you're finished.