Drum carding troubleshooting

My partner got me a drum carder for Christmas! I was very excited to get started.

But it seems to only make those little knot pill thingys. I will hand card my wool really thoroughly and as I attempt to fill the drum, it immediately comes out with those tiny mats. I’m so frustrated.

I’ve tried adjusting the drum spacing, ensured that I’m rotating in the correct direction, triple hand carding before inserting, brushing it on the drum. Everything. What am I doing wrong?