Pinnacle Solene

My father bought me this baitcaster for my birthday in April and last week I finally pulled it out of its box it was bought in. I spooled it with the right size diameter of line and took the reel out the my boat and put a rattletrap on 1/2 oz and I have tried to set the brake on it and the tension knob and they just dont work. The lure just falls to the ground and wants to back lash, anyone out there ever deal with this brand before. I would also just like to say thanks to the one my father sent and waisted his money to, shame on you.