suspect you need to check there is no water found its way into the base of the dishwasher assuming it has a bottom cover you will find that any water may have caused a float switch to have operated therefore preventing the dish washer from starting and taking more water in,normally made of polystrene.,it should be quite obvious to see,drain and dry any excess water,plug out 1st of course ,reset float switch,job done.
andrew
July 2008