I imagine you are turning the handwheel toward you so that the needle goes down into the bobbin case. If the bobbin has been inserted correctly, the machine threaded correctly my only other suggestion is perhaps something is broken. I had an older singer do that and it had to have a (gear, lever or ?) replaced. I forget what exactly she called it. The machine looked to be in perfect condition and had been well cared for but it was still broken. It cost me $50 to have it repaired. Good luck with this.