Hi Susan , it sounds very much like you have an age old problem after the quarantee runs out, you will need to buy yourself a new set of brushes for the motor as it sounds like they are worn out hence intermitant opperation on spin.take the model number and the make to a shop that deals in repairs they should be able to help you with a new set of brushes , price wise they shouldn`t cost you no more than a couple of pounds for a set . hope this helps
jim, January 2010