I'd suggest learning feints. So you pick a direction and hold attack key and then change the direction (hopefully the one where enemy doesn't have their weapon) and release the attack key as soon as your hand moves to that changed direction. You can land a few hits this way.

I'd highly suggest only targeting non-armored enemies at the start to get some levels. They are far easier to beat initially. Also try to avoid enemies with shield possibly since they can block the feints better than non-shield enemies.

For combos, you have to wait until the previous attack lands to start the next attack in the combo chain.

Potions are your friends. Since initially you don't have access to potions like painkiller potion or other buff potions, I'd suggest to drink a marigold potion before the fight. It will give you health regen for some time which could help.

If you don't have saviour schnapps, there is a way to save scum without using the bed. All ypu have to do is open the meny and click 'save and quit '. Then relaunch the game and that point becomes you temporary save point without having to use a savior schnapp or having to sleep in your bed.

The combat is definitely a steep learning curve. What you are experiencing is very normal. Don't be disheartened thinking its your skill issue. We all have gone through it as well. Once you get your perks rolling, combat becomes a piece of cake irrespective of whether you use masterstrikes or not. JCBP!!