Take the needle out and replace with a new needle.
Even if you have just put in a new needle, change it. The needle could be bent.
I took the plates off my machine and you are right about the needle position. The needle should be forward a twitch.
Before adding a new needle, turn the machine on and off. Are you in a decorative stitch or zig-zag stitch?
Be sure the needle is seated all the way up into the shaft and then tighten. The needle may have slipped down.
After that, the machine may need a service check.
Good luck and please let us know what happens.