Displaying power level may not be changed at this time

As you didn't specify any specific model, one of the Samsung models uses this scheme to change power levels.

You begin by pressing the "Microwave" button once. Pressing it again will display different power levels, from low to high.

Which model of Sharp microwave do you have?

For the SMC1441CB, after setting the cook time, press the power level button and then the appropriate digits for the percentage of full power to use. For full power, press power level then 1 and then 0. For 50% power, press power level then press 5.

For the SMC0710BB, after setting the cook time, press the Power button until you see the desired power level displayed on the LCD screen. Press Power once to get 100% power. Press Power 6 times to get 50% power.

For the R-659YW, you set the power before setting the cooking time. You press the Power button several times to get to the desired power level. Pressing Power 7 times will have the microwave cook with 40% of its full power level.

Many current Sharp appliance manuals are available on their product page or the Sharp support page. The current Sharp microwaves are listed here: http://www.sharpusa.com/ForHome/HomeAppliances/Microwaves/Models.aspx?facet:configurationfilter=Countertop . Other appliance manuals are available when you enter the model number in the search bar at http://www.sharpusa.com/Support.aspx .

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

This is from Page 16 in the users manual...

For simple, one-stage cooking, you only need to set the cooking time. The power level is automatically set to High.

If you want to set the power level to any other level, use the Power Level button.
1. Use the number buttons to set a cooking time. You can enter a time from one second to 99 minutes and 99 seconds. To select a time greater than one minute, enter the seconds too. (For example, to set a cooking time of 20 minutes, enter 2, 0, 0, 0.)

2. If you want to set the power level to a level other than High, press the Power Level button, and then use the number buttons to enter the power level.

3. Press the ENTER/START button to begin cooking. If you want to change the power level, press the STOP/ CLEAR button before you press the ENTER/START button, and then enter all the instructions again.

Enter the cooking time. Press the Power Level button until the desired level is displayed - Level 1 = 100%, Level 2 = 90%, ... Level 10 = 10%.). Press Start button.

On most brands, you enter the cook time, then press the "Power Level" key, followed by the using a single digit key for the desired power percentage, then hitting "Start".
EXAMPLE: Too cook for one minute at 30% power:

Time Cook > 1 > 0 > 0 > Power Level > 3 > Start

A possible alternative key combination may be:

Time Cook > 1 > 0 > 0 > Power Level > Power Level >Power Level > Start

Here is a guide to power levels:

On most brands, you enter the cook time, then press the "Power Level" key, followed by the using a single digit key for the desired power percentage, then hitting "Start".
EXAMPLE: Too cook for one minute at 30% power:

Time Cook > 1 > 0 > 0 > Power Level > 3 > Start

A possible alternative key combination may be:

Time Cook > 1 > 0 > 0 > Power Level > Power Level >Power Level > Start

Here is a guide to power levels:

You can download most Frigidaire owner's manuals and installation instructions here or here..

Normally you press Cook Time, 1, 2, 3, then Power Level, then 5 (for 50% power) then Start.

We're happy to help you with free advice and we'd appreciate your thoughtful rating of our answer.

maybe it is running. you can not change power while the unit is running. you can only set the power level while programming the heating schedule.

I had the same problem. All you need to do is put in your cook time first, then adjust the power level. So time cook, whatever # of minutes, power level, then # power level. Hope this helps.

It looks like you would enter the cooking time then press POWER 1 to 10 times. Once = 100%, twice = 90%, thrice = 80%, and so on, and "PL#" will appear in the display where "#" is the selected power level. On some models, twice = 80% and thrice = 60%, etc. and "80%", or "60%", etc., will appear in the display. Then press START. Did that do it?