The slide under the needle that goes to the left may be hiding your shuttle. Gently try to pull it open. Don't be afraid to quit for the day and add sewing machine oil to the sides of the slide. it may stop about halfway out and expose the shuttle. if you turn the hand wheel, the slide may pull out further and the shuttle may appear for you. just be gentle with every thing you do and don't get any water near the little beastie. you may get to see the shuttle from the bottom if you can tilt the machine away from the operator.
Yea, you won't find them often I traveled a ways to grab mine.