I tried a few bread machines before finding one w/results I liked.

To test another loaf or 2 I'd look up online a few basic french bread recipes for the machine.

for a plain french style bread

I generally use about 1 cup warm water
2 cups flour on top of that
then add
fast rise or bread machine yeast (2.5 tsp+\-)
1 tsp salt
pinch of sugar

start the machine and let it get partially mixed, then slowly add more or less 1 more cup of flour - how much does depend on the weather, keep adding flour and watching to make sure it begins to form a smooth ball.

Sometimes I even help it along with a wooden spoon or my hand if it looks like it is not getting blended nicely.

basically you want a firm and not sticky dough.

When it is at that stage leave the lid closed and let it do its thing.

If it still does not come out nicely then maybe google that machine and see if there are bad reviews on it.