Dishwasher doesn t work but is leaking water?

I ve lived in my duplex for 4 1/2 years now. We have had the dishwasher "replaced" because it didn t clean anything. Less than 6 months ago we had our garbage disposal replaced because it stopped working. Now since then, our dishwasher hasn t worked AT ALL. If I turn it on nothing happens, but I can hear the timer running on it. I have checked power cords and what I could see. We never use our DW so it hasn t been a big deal except for the fact that the bottom is filled with nasty water. But twice now in the last couple weeks, when we have washed dishes (in the sink) water starts leaking from our DW! It just did it to me a bit ago and my whole kitchen floor was soaked.. since our landlord doesn t accept maintenance calls and requires a written letter, it will take a while before I hear from him.. Is there something I should check myself? It is an older style DW, nothing fancy. No cancel or drain buttons to try..