New Bike Semi-Assembly

[Aiacha]

This is my second bike, but the first one I have to do any assembly on and I'm nervous that I'm going to break something. I was hoping I could ask a few questions...for the record, it's a 2008 Specialized Ruby Elite, used.

1) I'm having difficulty getting the quick release into the dropouts. I've e-mailed the shop I bought it from to find out if this was a problem for them. My Dolce does not have this problem and I was wondering if anyone else has had to deal with this.

2) I can't seem to slide the handlebars onto the stem. I figure this is a tight fit, but it doens't want to go on as well; I've even completely removed the two bolts so that it has the maximum possible movement. My questions here are how much pressure should I have to put on it to fit it on and is this a part that needs to be greased, like the seat post. (I think it does, but I'm not 100%)

The only other parts to be assembled is the saddle post, which shouldn't be a problem, and the pedals which are coming off the old bike. I know it would be easier to bring it to a LBS but I want the experience of doing it myself.

Thanks for any hints you can give me!