Washing machine problems...

My sims seem to be unable to interact with an upgraded washing machine. I've got the green light on it, but I'm unable to empty or load the utility. Has anyone else had this problem? I've tried both ways of resetting the machine as well as leaving the game and travelling (which sometimes clears up other minor bugs). I've not yet (as I write this) bought a new washing machine, but I will try that and update...

Believe me, I can really see the funny side of this issue - in the sense that I could be describing a problem in the real world that is actually happening in The Sims.