I have had moments when I forget to put in the chopper..  And I have thought I broke it a couple of times when it wouldn't start. That was stressful for me but I forged on and realized all parts must be in place for it to work!  I felt rather foolish.  So much to my chagrin I thought maybe I would see if it was in the instructions and stated all compartments must be locked in place to start machine.  I think that you might want to notice that on the instructions in big letters.  Anyway I do use the processor and really do like it. Price wise it was affordable too.