What kind of sewing machine do you have? I have a Viking and when I use my hopping foot with the spring, there's a machine setting I have to choose to make the foot work right. Check your manual, you may have to do this too.
Also, make sure the foot is installed correctly. There's a thingy that should go over the screw on your needle shaft. Rotate the wheel manually and make sure the foot is going up and down with the needle.