No user manual

I suspect you have your answering machine in "Announce" mode, where it plays an outgoing message but does not accept incoming messages. You want to switch it to "Answer" mode, where it will accept incoming messages.
Since you declined to specify the model of your VTech answering machine, I can't tell you how to switch modes. I can only direct you to enter it into the search box here to download a copy of the manual.

i NEED TO CHANGE THE OUTGOING MESSAGE.

Can you give the exact model of your Philips Answering machine? Usually, long press and hold the #4 button to record a new outgoing message after the beep.

Please let me know if this helps.

go to the site below and in the dropdowns find vtech then t2350 they have your manual for download.
http://safemanuals.com/
glad to have helped.

Well, your machine might be broken, or you haven't set the little switch on the unit to ANS. The switch is on the side of the machine where the cables come out. But here are the instructions from the manual:

Recording Outgoing Messages:

Your answering machine has a built-in outgoing message, "Hello, please leave a message after the tone." You can use this message or record your own.

1. Hold the ANNC/DAY/<<, and speak clearly into the microphone, no more than 10 inches away.

2. Release the ANNC/DAY/<< when you finish. Your answering machine beeps and automatically plays back your recorded message.

*Your outgoing message must be between one and 60 seconds.

*If you record your won message but wish to revert to the pre-recorded message, press DELETE during playback of your outgoing message.

We have the manual. We just found it... Long story! Where can i post it and should I just re-write it online someplace where peeps can find it?

To record a new OGM, on the Onetel OT150

Press "menu" on the base unit, then "up" once to record OGM 1 or twice to record OGM 2.

Press "OK" The existing OGM will begin to play. Whilst this is playing press and hold "MEMO"

Record your message, speaking close to the base unit. Press "stop" (square) when finished.

If you decided you don't like your message then, repeat the process above but when it tells you to record your own message press "stop" (Square) and the default will be reset.

To record a new OGM,

Press "menu" on the base unit, then "up" once to record OGM 1 or twice to record OGM 2.

Press "OK" The existing OGM will begin to play. Whilst this is playing press and hold "MEMO"

Record your message, speaking close to the base unit. Press "stop" (square) when finished.

If you decided you don't like your message then, repeat the process above but when it tells you to record your own message press "stop" (Square) and the default will be reset.

When your handset is in standby, press and hold the left pointing arrow until TONE is displayed.

http://telephones.att.com/telephones_ui/support/dsp_manual.cfm?manualID=284