Normally when talking about something that is happening now we use present progressive, and when we talk about that happens as a habit, custom, etc. we use the present simple. That is clear. But if I'm not mistaken I noticed that when people talk about working of device or machine –at the moment– they're used to use present simple rather than present progressive. They say:
"Why does it not work"
Instead of:
"Why is it not working"?
Does it reflect the norm or the most native speakers and it is like an idiom or is it just a mistake?
Best Answer
Native speakers say both:
Both questions mean "What's wrong with it?" or "What is causing it to malfunction?" or "What is keeping it from doing what it's supposed to do?" perhaps in the case of some medication, say.