There is a safety switch at the top right of the washer opening. The lid has a "Pin" that sticks down and actuates the switch when you close the lid. The switch prevents the washer from spinning when the lid is open. The switch and/or it's mounting is broken so the lid can't actuate it when it's down. You can replace the switch or if you can keep your hands out of the washer when its spinning, and kids for that matter, you can defeat the switch.
Jesse
October 2008