My dryer wed5300sq0 starts off slowly before the drum rotates correctly. sometimes i have to lighten the load before it will turn at all. It's not making any noise.

The drum on the dryer is powered by an ac motor. You cannot change its direction of rotation by changing lead connections. AC has no positive or negative leads. It must be OK as is

Open the dryer door and slowly rotate the dryer drum in a counterclockwise (CCW) direction. Rotate the drum 2-3 revolutions and then shut the door and see if it will start. If it continues to just hum and not start could indicate a voltage issue, motor issue or a friction issue. Open the door again and locate the door switch plunger in the upper or lower corner on the hinge side of the drum opening. Hold the plunger in while someone begins rotating the drum counterclockwise. While turning the drum counter clockwise and holding the door switch plunger inwards press the start button. If it starts, there is likely a friction problem or motor problem.
What is the model number?

Open the dryer door and slowly rotate the dryer drum in a counterclockwise (CCW) direction. Rotate the drum 2-3 revolutions and then shut the door and see if it will start. If it continues to just hum and not start could indicate a voltage issue, motor issue or a friction issue. Open the door again and locate the door switch plunger in the upper or lower corner on the hinge side of the drum opening. Hold the plunger in while someone begins rotating the drum counterclockwise. While turning the drum counter clockwise and holding the door switch plunger inwards press the start button. If it starts, there is likely a friction problem or motor problem.

I assume the buzzing quit when you release the start button. Open the dryer door and slowly rotate the dryer drum in a counterclockwise (CCW) direction. Rotate the drum 2-3 revolutions and then shut the door and see if it will start. If it continues to just hum and not start could indicate a voltage issue, motor issue or a friction issue. Open the door again and locate the door switch plunger in the upper or lower corner on the hinge side of the drum opening. Hold the plunger in while someone begins rotating the drum counterclockwise. While turning the drum counter clockwise and holding the door switch plunger inwards press the start button. If it starts, there is likely a friction problem or motor problem.

Open the dryer door and slowly rotate the dryer drum in a counterclockwise (CCW) direction. Rotate the drum 2-3 revolutions and then shut the door and see if it will start. If it continues to just hum and not start could indicate a voltage issue, motor issue or a friction issue. Open the door again and locate the door switch plunger in the upper or lower corner on the hinge side of the drum opening. Hold the plunger in while someone begins rotating the drum counterclockwise. While turning the drum counter clockwise and holding the door switch plunger inwards press the start button. If it starts, there is likely a friction problem or motor problem.

Open the dryer door and slowly rotate the dryer drum in a counterclockwise (CCW) direction. Rotate the drum 2-3 revolutions and then shut the door and see if it will start. If it continues to just hum and not start could indicate a voltage issue, motor issue or a friction issue. Open the door again and locate the door switch plunger in the upper or lower corner on the hinge side of the drum opening. Hold the plunger in while someone begins rotating the drum counterclockwise. While turning the drum counter clockwise and holding the door switch plunger inwards press the start button. If it starts, there is likely a friction problem or motor problem. Also, check the blower on the dryer to see if a article of clothing may have gotten stuck there and preventing the motor from running.

assume the buzzing quit when you release the start button. Open the dryer door and slowly rotate the dryer drum in a counterclockwise (CCW) direction. Rotate the drum 2-3 revolutions and then shut the door and see if it will start. If it continues to just hum and not start could indicate a voltage issue, motor issue or a friction issue. Open the door again and locate the door switch plunger in the upper or lower corner on the hinge side of the drum opening. Hold the plunger in while someone begins rotating the drum counterclockwise. While turning the drum counter clockwise and holding the door switch plunger inwards press the start button. If it starts, there is likely a friction problem or motor problem.

Assume the buzzing quit when you release the start button. Open the dryer door and slowly rotate the dryer drum in a counterclockwise (CCW) direction. Rotate the drum 2-3 revolutions and then shut the door and see if it will start. If it continues to just hum and not start could indicate a voltage issue, motor issue or a friction issue. Open the door again and locate the door switch plunger in the upper or lower corner on the hinge side of the drum opening. Hold the plunger in while someone begins rotating the drum counterclockwise. While turning the drum counter clockwise and holding the door switch plunger inwards press the start button. If it starts, there is likely a friction problem or motor problem. Check the blower fan and motor for any obstructions.

not nkowing what brand, I would guess its a maytag or one of their brands. It sounds like a screw that mounts one of the paddles inside the drum has backed out and is now poking out the out side of the drum hitting the cabnet as it goes around. Un plug it , pop the top open , rotate the drum clock wise by hand slowly to see if a screw is standing up on drum.
If its a whirpool dryer with the lint filter inside the door, the top cabnet is dented down, hitting the drum.
someone sat on the top, bent it down.

the inertia switch on the shaft of the drum motor has failed This will require removal of the drum motor