Lack of Observation?
Considering this was all "high-tech" and W.O.P.R. was the latest "high-tech" piece of equipment with lots of flashy lights & readouts etc. etc.
Why didn't anyone stop to look at the (apparently) ONLY screen with information on it that said "GAME TIME ELAPSED: 2 hrs 15 mins ... GAME TIME REMAINING: 18 hrs 27 minutes" (or whatever it was)???
Not very observant, if you ask me.