unable to install a E6400 on a P5W DH Deluxe

[ThePenIsMightier]

as the title says; I'm unable to install a E6400 on a P5W DH Deluxe

I'm a noob when it comes to building computers, this being my first in four years.

problem:
after I place my cpu in (proper orientation) I go to close the load plate
it does not seem to go down enough
So I start to lower the lever
it will stop at 85 degrees before I need to start using force
I don't want to put pressure on it because I think I'm going to crush the cpu

anyone else have this mobo and same issue
or am i that much of a noob that missed something so simple
I'm pretty sure I didnt miss a step in the manual

any answers will be appreciated
thanks

 

[ThePenIsMightier]

oh and I just noticed, the load plate is a bit curved upwards.
I'm thnking this could be my problem
can someone confirm this to be the issue