Problem installing CPU in X58 Platinum mobo

I recently bought a barebones kit containing an MSI X58 Platinum motherboard and a Core i7 920 processor, and am having difficulties inserting the processor into the motherboard; in particular, after setting the processor in place, I am unable to close the load lever down on top of it. I've uploaded a picture of the issue I am having at http://bdeen.hostcell.net/motherboard.JPG ...it seems like a stupid problem, but has me completely stumped, as the processor really seems to be in place properly (it is oriented properly and fits well). Without the load lever clamped down, I can't install the processor cooling fan, so I can't really go anywhere from here. I've called MSI support twice but they have no idea what the problem is, and just recommended returning the motherboard and processor. So I thought I would post here to see if anyone has had a similar problem and knows a simple solution.

Thanks a lot for the quick response. Where I'm at basically looks like picture #5. It seems like I have to apply a good amount of force to get the little lever even close to the motherboard, though, and my understanding was that one should have to apply very little force in inserting a CPU...does this sound normal to you?

Its not as fragile as you are made to believe, if you know its in correctly, that pressure required to close that last locking arm is to keep the CPU firmly in place. I had a similar concern, I just built my system with the same motherboard and a core i7 920. I just put it all the way down and it just works.