Put the needle in right. I am near sighted and even with that advantage sometimes there is so much glare from the machine light, or I just can't get the right angle to see where the flat is on the needle. I've put them in right, I know I did, but the machine won't sew so when I check it the darn needle is in sideways or backwards.
Just pop the needle out, and make sure it goes in flat to the left and stays there as you tighten the clamp screw. Then remember to thread it right to left.
Joe