This is probably idiotic

I got a free horse at priory, then went overland toward red quest arrow. Then tried to find a spot where I could climb mesa to reach fortress castle. (This took forever, it's steep all around ... not fun.) Dude inside tells me to do something w/the Oblivion Gate outside, but there's nothing to do. Can't seem to get 'into' the gate, nobody nearby is helpful.

Any clues appreciated! I really couldn't figure it out.

simple, if you havent got to the gate yet then there is this winding path up the mountain (it should be on your map) that will take you through the settelment, go past that and you will arrive at a blockade, talk to 1 of the gaurds (dont kno witch 1) then go up, the gat to oblivion works like a door, target it and press A unless its the PC version then I dont kno but as soon as you are in a wierd little fireball dood will attack you kill it and the other to find a gaurd, tell him to go with you.

HOPE IT HELPED!!!;

THANKS!
I play in 3rd person a lot and I just never frickin' tried to target and 'use' the gate!
Whew now I can play this game again!