can you help with a non working Kenmore dishwasher?

I have a Kenmore Ultra Wash Quiet Guard 4 Dishwasher. It just stopped working one day. I reqd the manual but no luck. The buttons do not respond to any touch. The "CLEAN" light is flashing 7 times and stops. Then 7 times and stops and so on. no other lights flash or go on. I have tried holdong the heat dry button as it said it would lock it but I got no response to the touch. As I said earlier no buttons work no matter how many times you press them or how long you press them. I tried experimenting but holding 2 buttons at once but no luck there either. Someone told me if the heating element was shot it would make the wasaher not work. I can't see that but who knows. Can anyone help?? If so could you possibly PLEASE respond with a copy to danielmondelli at america online dot com ? I wrote the address like this on purpose they wont put it through any other way
I would appreciate any help beyond words. The reason I ask to respond to my email address is i will either forget this sites address or something equally inane will happen where I wont get your help. So, If you can help I will be a pal for life...LOL Thanks Guys and Gals..' Mondo
Tampa Fl
danielmondelli at america online dot com