Sharon W. -- thank you. After reading your post, I had to check to make sure I hadn't inserted the bobbin into the case incorrectly. It seems to be just like most of the other machines I have but I think I broke the needle because it was bent and extended beyond the hole in the plate when I put the zig-zag setting at its widest.
Btw, what brand thread do you recommend? I have a mix of spools that came with the machines. I bought a box of Gutermann, 10 spools, but maybe there's a brand that's less expensive but decent for practicing. I have some Coats & Clark that seems OK.