Briggs and Stratton 300e series mower not starting

Hey all, new to the forum. I greatly appreciate in advance any and all advice given.

Working on getting my Hyper Tough Briggs and Stratton 300e series gas push mower to start but no luck so far.

Put fresh gas in it as it had bad gas. The oil level is sufficient but will need changed at some point as it is dirty. Pulled it, nothing. Tilted the mower forward, it kind of wanted to start. Sprayed it with starter fluid, it wanted to start even more but didn't. Knowing this, I believe the spark plug to be sparking. No, I haven't taken out the spark plug to examine it since I don't have a spark plug socket, nor do I have anything to test it. Anyways, after video watching, I traced it to the carburetor needing cleaned. Took it apart, cleaned it, but accidently blew out one of the silver balls out of the main jet so I ordered a new one, put it back together as well as everything else. Took my time, being careful not to miss any steps, everything looked normal to me. Excited that it would start this time but didn't. Having done all of this, it doesn't even want to start to the extent that it did before cleaning the carburetor. It's like I've taken a step back now. As if there's another culprit or did something to it unknowingly in the meantime. I've pretty much exausted the video watching and now at a standstill.

Please advise. Thanks a bunch!!