xmanpike, what limits are you playing? If it's low limit, remember that for a lot of the players, a $1 bet isn't going to stop them from "going for it". Particulary in casinos...most of the players are tourists, and they aren't interested in sitting around a poker table and
folding!
I felt the same way you did when I started playing limit - that I couldn't get people off their draws, etc. It really all depends on who you're playing against. If the players are good, and paying attention - a check-raise is your best friend. Good players will know that you have a hand when you use that. (Remember to mix it up some though). The biggest thing to remember when playing low-limits (in general, anything below $5/$10) is that if a flush or straight card hits, someone's got it. Proceed with caution in those situations.
Limit can be a great game, as well as profitable. The switch to it from NL can be very trying, but hang in there! You might want to check out Hold'Em for Advanced Players or Small Stakes Hold'Em, as well as the work of
Izmet Fekali.