Aloha LindaJ,
First off, make sure you are gently holding the rods by the sleeves only -they're not going to pull away if a thumb or part of the hand it not letting it rotate.
Keep doing the tubes of light each day to build that connection and up level your energy.
On of the coaches hear had them resting on her as she slept a couple nights, so they would be in and connect with her energy field.
Like those that don't seem to "feel" it when detecting blockages at first, when doing the level Two in Spring Forest Qigong, the dowsing may be a good opportunity to notice what's stopping you from being present, expansive, and aware.
Were you doing this inside or out?
Sometimes waling the perimeter of a property for geopathic stress lines, rather than inside a house can be a little more revealing/responsive.
Another thing to try is a wide open question like: "Show me places where there is a change of energy." and start walking.
It will show up for you. Try this out for a couple days and call Learning Strategies for a Dowsing coach if you'd like more support.
Much Love, Shawn