I can see how you missed the rinse. It's NUMBER 1 following the degreasing step. If you missed that, you probably missed the water break test too. What's the volume of your solution and the size of the item?
Try it again and follow the direction precisely. Including you solution volume and maximum load. It's a proven process. Even a caveman can do it.
Added: Checking the book I have, your plating solution wasn't hot enough. What does your book say?