I found that if the machine has sat for a while (years in my case) just using the steam wand WILL NOT WORK. I followed the suggestion of forcing water into the pick up tube that sucks out of the water tank. I used one of those injectors (like a big hypodermic) for flavoring meat. Worked right away and I’m pulling pretty good shots already. Good thing since my Rancilio Sylvia just bit the dust after 20+ years. Got the Starbucks machine a long time ago at a thrift store for $50.00. Oh did I mention it was virtually brand new? Thank you IFIXIT people!