Don't fret about what it looks like right now... It took MONTHS of trying before I did anything that was "acceptable"! It sounds like you may need to tighten your top tension just a little bit at a time, but it could just be that you need to practice first. When I started, "my machine" would have tension problems, skip stitches, refuse to sew with some threads, etc. I found that after LOTS of practice, "my machine" mysteriously quit having these problems!
You do have to get used to the idea of adjusting your tension when needed though; different threads require different tension settings. I always adjust the bobbin tension first with the little screw, then adjust the top to match.
Keep trying and don't despair! It will EVENTUALLY get better with practice.