A:Answer Yes, you have to "plug in" the carafe before the brewer will recognise there is one. Just "unplug" the drip tray and slide the carafe under the brewer head so the "tab" on the carafe's bottom "plugs in" to the notch. MAKE SURE THE CARAFE IS ** SQUARELY ** SEATED OR THE CARAFE WON'T BE RECOGNISED! Ensure the water reservoir is COMPLETELY FULL, insert the Carafe Pack into the brewer and close the lid. You'll see the "carafe: 3-4 (cup)" symbol appear: Touch it ONCE to change to "4-5 (cups)", again to revert to "3-4 (cups)", etc. (only 2 settings!). Let the brewer "warm up", press the flashing button, and in approx. 5 minutes you'll have a steaming-hot carafe of "Liquid Life". :)
Hope this helps...