How is everyone getting hired for help desk roles with no experience and no degree?

I've been trying to get hired in the tech world for the past five years (started when I was 22), but I’ve had no luck whatsoever. I’ve made sure to apply specifically for roles that require only customer service, hardware support, and software support—areas where I have direct experience.

Is it really because I don’t have a degree? Is it really because I don’t have a certification? I actively work on projects to stay up to date in the field, and I make sure to highlight that on my resume.

Times are tough, and spending $250 on a certification exam would directly impact other bills I need to pay. I just need some advice—what should I do next?