I was looking for a replacement rubber ring for my bread machine and I saw your message. I can help you here.

The instructions for my ABM-100-2 say to:
Always put the dry yeast in first, then the flour, other ingredients and lastly lukewarm water in order to keep the dry yeast active.
Also always use soft water. If hard water is used the dough may not rise enough.
(Water temp should be between 77-95 degrees.)
Hope this helps. My machine is old, but always works well.