First check the display of the unit (normally it would show the time and date). If it shows another message it may indicate why there is no dial tone (for example, "connecting" means the unit is trying to send or receive). Next, you can check how the unit is connected to the phone line. We recommend trying a different phone cord and making sure the unit is connected directly to the phone jack on the wall (not using any splitters or other devices). Next, you can try to give the machine a power reset by unplugging the power on the machine for a minute. If none of that works we would recommend you test the machine at another location. We usually recommend taking the machine to another house/building to make sure the problem is not related to your structure's wiring.