Riccar 8500-S not picking up bobbin thread

Question

I have a riccar 8500-S and the needle is not picking up the bobbin threadI have a riccar computer 6000 (rec6000) and it's not picking up the bobbin
either. I downloaded the manual directly from riccar's website for free and
was able to recheck all my threading and putting in the bobbin just to make
sure I was doing it right.
But no matter what I do, that bobbin thread is not being picked up. I emailed the guy named Ken at the bottom of this screen. Maybe he can
help me...maybe it is a "timing" problem and machine needs to be reset.
My machine is probably about 20 years old, but works as good as a new one if it would only pick up the bobbin. Shirley Goodman