Bread machines can be very problematic. I've been baking bread for over 10 years and have gone through several bread machines. The first one is still running but all
the newer ones lasted a few months only. Some would leak machine oil, etc. Finally
I gave up on bread machines and bought a Bosch mixer just for kneading. I've had
it for about 5 years and it's a lot sturdier than any bread machine or Kitchen Aid. If
you're having problems with your bread machine, try to knead the dough in the machine then remove it and let it rise in a bowl. Sometimes what makes the bread loaves get that funny shape is that it hits the roof of the machine and has no where else to go but down. I hate that. LOL