Unable to apply 3d/revolve instance

Thank you Lhems and Omar for reading my question and trying to help.  My computer is i7/16G— no shortage of HD space, so I don't think that's an issue, but perhaps there is something I don't understand?   I did start simple, I've designed quite a few logos using the AI basics so I'm just trying to go to next level and use the 3D effects. I've been drawing using a Wacom and have gotten pretty good at the pen and paint tools and manipulating objects.  This issue regarding the 3D effects occurs on the first instance, ie., I create an object and get this error the first time I try to apply the effect.  In this particular screenshot I have selected the Shape Mode as Minus Front, but it happens no matter what I try to do.  Below is a screenshot of the tutorial I'm following.  I have made the series of elipses and placed them in the symbols box exactly as shown, but when I click map art I get the error.  I know I could uninstall and reinstall everything but who wants to do that, not even sure that's the issue since everything else in my illustrator has worked properly, that I'm aware of. I just want to create.  Any other suggestions?  Thanks again! 

Can you give a screenshot of your illustrator and object.
Make sure that you didn't apply a 3d effect then you try to go to effect again to edit it.... you can edit effects from Window>Appearance.

But let us know more about what you are doing exactly.

Check if you have sufficient RAM (computer memory) or Scratch disk (hard drive space (see Edit->preferences)

Also you might want to start with simple curves with few points when learning 3D revolve and map Art.

Use simple symbols first to get it work faster.