KG7 and 1.4g Athlon

I am attempting to insert a 1.4 gig Athlon into a brand new ABIT KG7 motherboard. My problem is this - the chip inserts beautifully into the ZIF but when I try to close the lever, it stops at 15 degrees from vertical. An appreciable amount of pressure (from my point of view) doesn't make much progress in closing the lever further.

Question: Is this simply "sticksion" that's preventing the lever from closing because it's a new motherboard? Or could I do real damage to the CPU if I try to apply more pressure?

The chip is aligned correctly in the ZIF - everything and everyone who's seen it verifies that fact. I'm stumped.

Thanks in advance.

The latching thingy on the connector is probably causing this. when you bring down the lever, (don't forget to be holding down the chip so the sensor doesn't cock it) also move it outward just a little to clear the latching tab. Then it should go down the rest of the way easily.

When you want to remove the chip remember this or you will break the lever by forcing it straight up.