Looks like I was on the right track. Thanks for the post, nothing is wrong with my setup. My problem was with traction control. I assumed by default it was off all the time unless I engaged it. Once I press TCS, it turns off (I never payed attention to the center console saying it was off). All I have to do then is move the lever foward to set the speed I want, move it down to engage, and then press the button in on the handle to start.
I guess it all makes sense after you figure it out like anything else.
=P