Plum, I know you're gonna think I'm pickin' on you, but have you ever seen anyone flycast before?
It sounds like you just tried to cast just like a spinning or casting outfit.
Wait for the video... or watch the movie "A river runs through it"
Your fly reel is only used to store your line. You strip line from the reel and use the rod like a pendulum. Its all about rhythm and timing.
What weight outfit did you get? And what about line... floating-sinking... and taper? Make sure you match these things to the type of fishing you want to do.