Recipe(tried): A Good Loaf of Bread - Stella, USE this bread recipe! (bread machine)

Stella, your problem could be due to excessive (too much water) or too much yeast. Back off the water to 3/4 Cup. Do not use a full cup of water.
Try this recipe for a good loaf of bread.

Place in your bread machine container:
3/4 Cup warm water (not hot nor too cold)
1 1/2 Tsp. active dry yeast (bread machine yease is good)
2 Tbl. Sugar
1 Tsp. Salt
2 Tbl. Oil

Stir those ingredients to thoroughly mix:

ADD: 2 1/2 Cups flour (any kind except self rising)

If your dough appears sticky, add a small amount of flour.
All bread dough should appear shiny when it is resting in the bread machine.

Hope you enjoy the recipe.