My first experience making LC bread .......

Today I tried the Final Bread recipe found on this site and it did not rise

I tested the yeast - it was active.
I have an older machine - don't know if that could be the problem.

I was somewhat confused by the recipe directions. I used the dough cycle and the recipe said to take the dough out before it began the first rise and to have it rise elsewhere in a warm place. Well...... I noticed that the complete dough cycle on my machine is 2 hours and 25 min. At first I wasn't sure whether I was supposed to take it out during or after the dough cycle completed - so I removed it during wthe cycle when it seemed to have puffed up somewhat......but was not fluffy.

I then placed it in a warm oven on very low. It rose a wee bit more and then stayed there.

Basically it appears I have a half risen brick.

Can someone tell me what I might have done wrong?

I couldn't pass Chemistry in high school - could that be part of the problem?

Am I supposed to put all the ingredients in the machine and then after they are done mixing - immediately remove them? I guess this means I need to stand by the first half hour or so?


trying to be hopeful - baking neophyte barefoot! THANKS