Are the feed dogs down? Are you putting the hopping foot down? It has to be down, even if you are not using a foot...the bar has to be down to engage the tensions.
Try wearing latex gloves (like those the doctor's office uses), or just the tips of them. Quilting gloves are under 5.00 a pair.
The bed of the machine needs to be smooth..try putting some spray wax for furniture on a cloth and wipe it over the machine bed.
Set your stitch length to zero...you don't need it in FMQ. Your feed dogs don't move if set at zero...so, if they are coming up a tad and catching the fabic now and again, this will stop that.
Also, practice on blocks no larger than 18" square...trying on a large project is hard and can be frustrating. Make some pot holders, placemats, etc. Once you are more comfortable, you can do larger quilts.
You will still have to mark your motifs, no other option, unless you get a machine quilting frame.
Tension should be set at it's normal setting. Pull up and hold both the bobbin & top thread when starting to stitch...take several tiny stitches before you start, then trim the threads close to the surface. This will help eliminate the nests and jams of thread.
Don't give up...you can do this...just takes time and sometimes help...
Marge