Sorry you had a bad first time! Sounds like most of your trouble was with the quick release axle. A few (hopefully helpful) hints on that front: 1) you don't need to unscrew the nut and take the axle out of the wheel. Pop your quick release open (yes, it's not fun) unscrew 2-3 turns and pull your wheel straight out. This allows you to leave the axle in the wheel and not worry about the little nut or spring going flying (and is why it's called a quick release). 2) when you put it back on don't tighten it all the way and then try to flip the lever closed, the lever is designed to take the last bit of tension (hence why there are springs, etc. in this contraption). This takes some feel because you don't want it too loose, but if you can't close your lever with the meaty part of your hand back the screw out 1/2 a turn or so until you can.