I say get some new tubes and/or tires, and pump them to the maximum inflation pressure (or a bit beyond within reason) and try again. Rollers and trainers are hard on tires. The deflation you experienced is most likely the tube so start there. The high inflation pressure when on the rollers should help with tire life.

As a side comment - Congrats on your prior (and future) fitness success. I found cycling to be a great way to get fit and lose weight and recommend to anyone. Hope you keep at it on the rollers and get outside when the weather warms!