Welcome to the board, Xarsha!!!
As mentioned, you'll fine that the strategy guide leaves much to be desired. It has often (on this board) been referred to a the Tome of Misinformation! This board is a lot more helpful and much friendlier!
You might wish to check Xignal's walkthru:
http://www.volberding.com/WHints/index.html for additional tips on how to solve this particular puzzle. You don't need to have all the available sticks though that certainly can be helpful. Hope you get it solved soon!!
Wyv