Control locked light is on. can't start washer.

The door lock could be damaged/defective.

control lock light ? have you got any blockages or dirty filters you may have to clean them.

Here are a few Different models as i do not know yours.
How to Unlock the Control on Whirlpool Duet eHow

Maytag - To unlock the controls, press and hold the CYCLE END SIGNAL for 3 deliberate seconds or until the control lock light goes out. If the control locked light will not turn off, I recommend unplugging the washer for 5 minutes. Plug the unit back in and see if the controls will respond. If not, I recommend calling a service technician to diagnose and repair the washer. You could have a failed control console or a bad electronic control board in the washer.

Kemmore- Unplug for 10 minutes.

GE washer - Make sure that the control for the washer is not locked. If it is, press and hold the LOCK button for 3 deliberate seconds (or until the control unlocks).

There is not another way to reset the control board other than completely unplugging the washer as you have been doing. Since the display light up and works, the washer apparently has electrical power supplied to the control board and control console. You could have a failure in the console that is preventing the start button from working. A failed control board or a problem with the door switch could also prevent the washer from starting. Make sure that the washer door is firmly closed.

If the washer will not start after checking the control lock and the door, I recommend calling a service technician to diagnose and repair the washer.
Good luck More info would be helpful. Make and model. Is always a plus.

While the machine is 'on' press & hold the "end of cycle" button for 3 seconds, or till the lock light goes off. This is on the far left or right of the machine's panel. Good luck! Pl rate me.

The Control Lock prevents unintended use of the washer. You can also use the control lock feature to prevent unintended cycle or option changes during a cycle. When CONTROL LOCKED is lit, all buttons are disabled except for Pause/Cancel and Start. You can lock the controls while the washer is operating. To lock the controls: Select and hold DRAIN & SPIN for 3 seconds. The CONTROL LOCKED status light glows. To unlock the controls: Select and hold DRAIN & SPIN for 3 seconds or until the CONTROL LOCKED Status light turns off.

Here's what the Padlock represents:

Lock Function

You can lock the controls to prevent any selections from being made. Or you can lock the controls after you have started a cycle. children cannot accidentally start the washer by touching pads with this option selected.

To lock the washer, press and hold the DELAY START button for 3 seconds (on some models use SIGNAL button). To unlock the washer controls, press and hold the DELAY START button for 3 seconds. The control lock icon on the display will light up when it is on.

NOTE: The POWER button can still be used when the machine is locked.

The Control Lock prevents unintended use of the washer. You can also use the control lock feature to prevent unintended cycle or option changes during a cycle. When CONTROL LOCKED is lit, all buttons are disabled except for Pause/Cancel and Start.

You can lock the controls while the washer is operating.

To lock the controls:

Select and hold DRAIN & SPIN for 3 seconds. The CONTROL LOCKED status light glows.

To unlock the controls:

Select and hold DRAIN & SPIN for 3 seconds or until the CONTROL LOCKED Status light turns off.

To unlock the controls Select and hold END OF CYCLE SIGNAL for 3 seconds until the CONTROL LOCKED Status light turns off.

Hold the noise control button in for 4-10 seconds.

if it is duet hold the end of the cyle button and it will re set