Also fairly new at this; but thought of adding my 2 cents.
Was reading elsewhere that some "starters" need time to really get going - so may just be the time-factor?
As long as you see the bubbles - means the fermenting process is on (IMHO) and that seems OK!
Also read that for the drink to get "zingier" and lose that sugary taste, it needs longer fermenting - more like 48 hours.
Then "they" said don´t put it in the fridge immediately, keep some out and it´ll fizz more... So I´m trying this as well! Good luck!