Need help with Google Voice

I didn't know where to put this question, but since it's a service provided by Google, I thought I'd start here.

I signed up for Google Voice. I have a phone # established with them. I wanted to just make calls without one, but I couldn't even get the Call option until I got a Google number.

When I try making calls it just hangs then goes back to showing the Connect button. I can't find any thorough support for this on the web or via phone. There's only simple step by step instructions on how to get a number and make calls, which I've already followed.

I have had a friend test my Google Voice number and CAN get calls on it. I haven't any Contacts in my Gmail account. Do I need to establish Contacts for everyone I call? It doesn't say you have to in the Google Voice instructions.

Does anyone know why this is happening or of any troubleshooting guides on it or tech support that is actually useful?

[Edited]
Managed to make some calls via setting it to use my Home Phone vs Google Talk, but I don't know it that will still be a free service if dialing outside my area. The headset I bought is useless so far though since I can't seem to get Google Talk to work.

I do have Google Talk updated to the new Hangouts software btw.