craftgrrl | Need help with Badge-A-Minit 1 1/4" button maker

I've got the Badge-a-minit 1-1/4" button maker (bench press). I have yet to make 1 button that is good. I called and talked to their customer support, and they thought maybe I had a defective ring set. They sent me a new ring set, which I got today. I was all excited thinking I could FINALLY make a good button. But I still can't even with the new rings.

I have followed the directions. I don't know if I am doing something wrong. It always seems one side of the plastic is not caught or something. I have tried different ways to push the rings down to do it evenly, and nothing seems to make a difference. Do those of you with this button maker have any advice? I used to have their 2-1/2" handpress, and don't remember having this much trouble. I remember sometimes the buttons didn't work, but I did have success. I have had zero success with this and am frustrated. Plus, I've wasted a lot of parts.

P.S. I am new to this community and found it through googling Badge-a-minit problem!