Laurie,

It sounds like a drain problem, if the washer had a water inlet problem or leak, I'd expect it to really flood the room,or it would fill and advance through the cycle.

Here's a quick easy test,

Start the machine(empty) with the largest load size setting, when it starts to fill press the knob in and out several times, does the water stop.
while the washer is filling,unplug the power cord several times, does the water stop. put a cup of detergent in the tub and allow the unit to fill and wash for a few minutes,let it run the remainder of the cycle, listen or watch the drain pipe, if you hear or see water coming back up the drain pipe, you have a slow drain and need a plumber, or someone to "snake" the drain.

Good Luck,
:) :) :)