Most common causes of those symptoms if the pump is actually pumping water out are, motor brushes worn, pressure pipe blocked or pressure switch stuck.
If the machine actually does a wash cycle, drains at the relative points and does slow spins at end of each part of the cycle (after rinse before main wash part etc) then I would be more inclined towards the carbon brushes initially.
Thanks for your reply Leccy758.
Just last week, my girlfriend had a problem with her zanussi washing machine. When she would start her machine, all it would do was stay on the drain mode and stay there. When I looked at the manual it said check the filter, and clean it if necessary, then proceed to fill the drawer with 2 litres of water in order to set the eco valve, then start the machine as if you were to start a wash. Sure enough, it did the job, and is working perfectly well now.
Not everyone consults the manual, when troubles appear, and just thought titvan may have overlooked what you have to do, if you remove the filter,and empty the water from the little hose.
Having said all this, I hope I don't get another telephone call from my girlfriend, telling me her zanussi is giving trouble again. I'd rather look at the filter anytime, than start messing around with motors, pressure switches,valves and brushes!
So far I've been lucky, and I hope it stays that way!
Again, thanks for your reply Leccy758