If the water is getting into the de Longhi coffee holder but not coming out and the holder's round metal mesh is clear then the spring-loaded little valve in the middle of the round black plastic mesh-holder may be stuck. Take the mesh off its black plastic base and push hard on the little dimple in the middle of the base. It should give - this is what lets the coffee out of the holder and maintains the pressure to give a good crema. Clean it and reassemble.