ArtLady: yep, that's my problem/question

after casting on, I get stuck.
I've watched the "small project" video... The lady that does these videos is AWESOME! But after she does the cast on... I'm done for! I almost feel like my yarn and needles don't mesh well with each other (which I think was talked about on the newb facts?)... The needles are metal, and the yarn is typical cheap synthetic yarn---any thoughts about this?
I apologize for the "newb" word... My iPhone keyboard won't let me use "I" for some reason!