Patrice, I did the exact same thing. It was a devil to get out, but I managed. After it was all the way out, it dawned on me what it was. I put it back in (with less trouble that there was getting it out) and my machine has been fine. I test drove the Horizon 7700 a couple of months ago and loved loved it. I am currently using a Janome 4800 and have no problems with her, but the 7700 was so NICE. I keep dreaming about her, and hope to get one soon.
Sue