I'm so sorry you are dissappointed. I buy like Rodney, always assuming trouble ahead even if the seller says "working". I've too much experience at this point and understand that "working" means something very different to everyone from actually sews to I can move a part.
I would check first the needle is in correctly, the bobbincase is seated properly and there are no thread jams. If that doesn't solve the problem contact the seller.
From there I would tell you it's time to stop being a novice.
It's fun and very rewarding to learn how to get these wonderful machines up and running. 301's are definitely worth it too. I hope it's something simple but we are here to help if you have to go a little deeper.