’98 TRX300 Fourtrax Starter Help

I recently ordered and received a new starter to install on a ’98 trx300 to replace the one my stepdad had been tapping on for the last two years and it finally quit. I installed the new starter and buttoned everything back up and it is just spinning. I thought maybe it was not level so I took it back off and reinstalled with the same results. I then read that it could be the starter clutch. I’m not sure how to test for that without pulling everything out (which may be a little advanced for me.) I did turn the flywheel the last time I had the cover off and it spins counter clockwise freely but locks the other direction. I also made sure to check with a strong new battery. The first time I pulled the cover off to change the starter it was stubborn and when it came off the gears fell out but it seems to all be fitting correctly and corresponds to the diagrams I’ve seen. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!