Thanks, Bree123, but my quick reply box does not have a tool bar at the top.

PAKate, it sounds as if you have the basic text editor in place. Try this:

Click on "Settings" in the dark brown box on the very top on of the screen (next to your name)
Scroll down until you see "My Account" under ""My Settings" on the left. Click on "General Settings"
Scroll down until you see Miscellaneous Options on the right. Click on the radio button next to "Enhanced Interface- Full WYSIWYG".

Click on the Save button to save your changes.

I agree, sounds like you got a bad cone.

Cones are shaped with the small end at the top, because they're meant to have the thread draw from the top. A cone holder is the best way to get a cone to feed well.

I have had that happen with specialty threads, I put a net on the cone and problem solved.