Make sure you are using the right size needle, not all sewing machine needles are the same length. Also you might not be getting it up all the way when putting it in its little slot. I worked for a Janome dealership for years and your problems are common and usually solvable. If you stick with Schmetz needles you will be safe! Clean and oil your machines regularly. Even oil them when your dealer says it is a self oiling machine, especially the cotton wick in the bobbin case if the wick dries out your machine will not work well. It only takes a drop or two of sewing machine oil.