This sounds like it might be incredibly simplistic, but make sure the plug is all the way in the wall, and you may even try squeezing the prongs together slightly, making for a better connection in the outlet. If the power gets interrupted mid-cycle, as in the case of a loose plug, it could, the whole cycle stops. This is to prevent accidental restarts should the power go out, and you start pulling items out of it, etc.
If the above doesn't work, it may be the timer or the brain itself, both of which can get costly.
Tom W, November 2008