The problem might be that the black pin (about 3/8" long and 1/8" in diameter), that normally sticks out of the frame of the washer at about the 2 o'clock position, and which is pushed in when the door closes, has broken off. If this pin breaks off, the washer will not recognize that the door has been closed. In my opinion, the pin is most likely to break when you close the door and the door was not properly aligned with the door frame -- in which case the pin will be sheared off.