Hi, it may be the drain pump you can hear.Turn the power off at the spur/plug, take off the plinth and then the black plastic inspection plate at the front.It flicks off with a straight screwdriver.Look inside,it may have water in it.If so, drain the water and dry it.
This will reset the float switch.The wash should now work.If the base keeps filling with water,then you have a leak in the sump and that may be terminal.
All the best.
Foxy
August 2008