How do you use model 40715 hamilton beach espresso machine? i couldnt get the loose grinds to work so i bought espresso pods and now i dont know how long to wait for it to drip or if im even doing it right. also is the milk frother suppose to sound like a blow horn screeching? it just tasted watery to me. please help.

I have this machine and have used it for about a year. Most important is use fresh beans within 15 days of roast, and within 15 minutes of grinding. You cannot get good results from this machine using pre ground coffee, or pods. Second, this machine is terrible with temperature stability. When warmed up it will usually be way too hot. Wait for the machine to warm up (light will come on). Open the steam valve, run the brew pump for 5 to 10 seconds into your cup and turn it off. Shut the steam valve, wait for the light to come back on. Immediately hit the brew button. This procedure will do a nice cooling flush and hit more towards the right temp.
Third, the pressurized basket that comes with this machine just dosen't do the job right. Replace it with a Mr. Coffee double basket, non pressurized and you will see immediately better results.
Last, the screeching steam wand. This machine will give wet steam, all the time. After pulling the shot, hit the steam switch and wait 20-30 seconds, then open the steam valve full to purge water out of the wand. Close the valve, then go to steaming your milk. There is a place about 1/4 inch below the surface that you'll hear only a chhh-chhh sound. Wand too deep, it will screech and wake the neighbors. Too shallow and you'll get sudsy big bubbles. Just find that sweet spot and surf there till you're at 140-150 degrees then turn the valve off. Good luck.