Has the electrical problem been solved?

Apparently not. I've had probably 5 of this model over the years. Never had an electrical problem until the one before this one. I smelled something burning and saw a spark. Threw it out and replaced it with the same model 2 years ago, just about the time Covid hit. It's been OK until this week when the toggle wouldn't turn it on. I switched it to another outlet and it worked. Now it is working again in the original location. But I don't trust it for safety reasons and am in the process of trying to find one that makes as good a cup of coffee and is easy to use. Sometimes we're fooled by the fancy brands and we're surprised when they don't work and the company doesn't stand behind the product. These electronics are all made in the same place, probably the same factory by the same people. So the $25 Hamilton Beach is likely just as good as the $100 Cuisinart. Just doesn't look as nice sitting on the counter.

what kind of paper filter does it use?

It uses a number 4 paper. Purchased from your local grocery store, any brand is acceptable. Simply place inside the gold filter basket.

it is not brewing all the water, only very small amounts are getting into the carafe.

Ours was gurgling and making loads of steam too. My husband ran water only thru it several times..apparently the maker's lid and also the pot's lid were plugged up..now it runs again. I have replaced the tubes as it had started leaking..fixed that..BUT I have an older model with a knob instead of a toggle switch. We have pristine well water so don't use the filter that is down inside the appliance. I did order a new one anyway cuz who knows how long this will last..it is 15 years old and getting a knob only brewer is becoming hard. Touch pad ones die sooner from what I have read. Manufacturers ought to be fined for making cheap throw away products!! Good luck!

My coffee maker is brand new but the coffee has a mildew taste. How can I fix this?

Wow! Never heard of this. First suggestion: Clean the pot with water and vinegar. Experts disagree on the ratio of water and vinegar. Some say equal parts. Some encourage a 2 or 3:1 ratio; two to three parts water to one part vinegar. Whatever ratio you decide to use, shut the pot off partway through the cycle for about 30 minutes and let the solution set. After the cycle is complete, run another cycle of water. Hopefully this will remove any taste in the tubes or other parts of the coffee pot. Also note your water supply. Any changes there? Consider your coffee. Is this a new can of coffee? If, after cleaning, you are still having problems, call Cuisinart. They were very helpful when we had a problem with our first machine. Wishing you the best in resolving this problem.