Found my own answer on another site but thought i would post it here in case anyone else has the same problem.
Basically, the machine is locked in a 'demo' mode. Switch on, and hold the 'on/off' and 'start/cancel' buttons on together for a few seconds. This is the site I got this info from: http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/diy-repair-h...
HOPE THIS HELPS.
nutty, January 2008