Hi niteowl,
Be sure that none of the connecting rods overlap with one another, otherwise you won't be able to solve the puzzle.
The long piece - two large white and two small brown - should go on the bottom row. Holding the piece brown/white/brown/white orientation, place it directly at the base of the 7th and 8th columns.
_________________________
"Bleat, Watson -- unmitigated bleat!" ~ Sherlock Holmes