Brother 820 Punchcard does not select needles?

Last week I received my first knitting machine, a Brother 820. I am learning how to use the machine. I am now at the point where I want to learn how to use the punchcard. I inserted the card and moved all of the buttons (following the manual). But it is not putting my needles in another position. I opened up the plastic and noticed that there is a gear on a shaft that seems to jump and my plastic spiral that pushes the pins does not turn. Does anyone know what the problem could be? Is it out of line or bent? Can I fix it myself?