[deborahann]

my mother gave me a dryer and it had been sitting for about 3 yrs. third time i used it heat was gone

[sidfink43]

Well Deborah, that was nice of her, sort of.

Here's what you are going to have to do. You will need an electrical test meter, or better yet, friend with one.

Take off the top by taking out the screws you will find on the top jam inside the door. This will allow you to take out the two screws holding th front and lift off the front. Unhook the door switch wires after marking how they go so you can put them back on. Then take out the drum.

You will now see a round metal case holding the heating element. On these GE dryers that do not heat I almost always see a broken element. Examine the element, and test it out with the meter for resistance. Then test eachof the thermal fuses/thermostats that are embedded in the metal case and on the blower housing.

Here's what things inside look like.

Replacement parts for GE DDE5100SBLWW | AppliancePartsPros.com

This should locate your problem. While you are in their thoroughly clean out the vent/blower, taking off the blower cover to do this. A clean dryer is a happy dryer.

Good luck, let us know if you need more info.