does anyone have advice on knitting socks on one circular needle (not the magic loop) - the 9" size 1, 2, or 3 needles (usually hiya brand). I have tried many, many times and always end up in a mess.
Usually I can’t get past the rib - I can’t ever get the rib straight for some reason and it’s the easy part!
Please help if you can! 
I have never tried to work on those super small circulars. I have worked on an 11" and it was hard to do. Maybe there is something about the cord/cable that allows the tips of the needles to come together better than with most small circulars. I don’t know why, if you were able to knit on them they would be making you have trouble. What is happening exactly?
Is this your first time making socks?
If so, it might be easier on dpns.
I started socks on DPN’s, but a lady at a yarn shop in Ohio told me to try the Hiya’s & I really like them. I had to switch back to the DPN’s when I got to the heel & that’s where I am now. Anxious to see if this thing still looks like a sock when I’m done. LOL!
There is an excellent step-by-step free online tutorial for making socks here:
http://www.cometosilver.com/socks/