Back to Basics Smoothie Elite Blender

I received the Smoothie as a gift for Christmas. I am diabetic and loved it to make healthy drinks. It was hard to clean and the dispenser spout didn't work well for thick drinks. Also, was very difficult to put together. I moved this summer and My Grand Daughter took it home to make a smoothie. She didn't have that blue ring in right and totally striped the gear and now the Elite is junk. I am very upset and yes, the blue ring was hard to get it the right way. I have looked all over to try and replace it and can not find one. I can't afford to buy a new one so I am out a smoothie maker because of that blue ring that looks like it would go in the way she had it. I don't know that I can get the plastic gears fixed either. My Grand daughter is 15 so she is not a small child trying to use a machine she shouldn't use.