Help me with my tampon nightmare?

I describe it as a nightmare because this is how trying to use tampons is working out for me. I've spoken to my friends and they use them easy-peasy with no problems. It's a completely different story for me. I use Applicator Tampons from Tampax. I've tried all positions, I've tried infront of a mirror and I still can't get the damn thing in. I'm not even sure if I'm putting it in the right place. It makes me so sore mucking about down there. I have to stop eventually because it becomes so painful. Why is the hole so hard to find! There is no visible hole to me which obviously makes things difficult. I just end up placing it in the area referred to in the instructions leaflet and just pushing. I was even tested for a yeast infection a few weeks ago and it came back negative. So what's the problem? Why can't I use tampons! It's driving me crazy. I just want to cry. ANY advice would be much, much appreciated :)