Milanese watch bands

I ordered two 40 mm watch bands for my Series 5 Apple watch and cannot seem to get either of them on smoothly. One end will go on fine, but the other end will not go in all the way and then I can barely get the end back out. I am pushing the button on the back and think that I am following the directions given with the band (turning face flat upside down on soft surface, inserting the ends of the bands with the imprinted side up; pushing button to release the band.....) Please help. I am going to have to return the bands if I cannot use them and threw the packaging away back in November when I received them, as I didn't think there would be any issue. At $99 apiece, I can't afford to just leave them in the drawer because I can't get them to fasten on. Thanks for your help.