Washing machine won't spin (by 2 users)

From http://www.diyfaq.org.uk/electrical/washing_machine_faq.htm

Why won't my washer spin? There are several reasons for this fault. First a washer will not spin if there is water in the tub. If this is the case, then check “Why won't my washer empty?”. Even though the washer might have emptied the water, the machine might be misled into 'thinking' there is still water left in the machine due to a blocked pressure barrel (see “My washer is leaking, why?”). If the belt has become detached or loose, the drum will not spin, nor will it spin if you have a faulty motor, module or timer. Usually a motor will have carbon brushes which slowly wear away. There needs to be enough material left to touch the commutator and have enough spring left in them to make sure there is a good contact. If the brushes in the motor are OK then you need to check the circuit across the terminals on the motor, because there is a thermal overload switch inside which may have tripped. Should the motor be OK, or be the type that doesn't have brushes (induction), then the chances are you need to test the speed control module. This is a circuit board that directly controls the speed of the motor. It may be found on or near the timer, or sometimes at the base of the machine, and usually requires specialist equipment to determine its worthiness.