RE: Controlling Throttle
What TX are you using? Your TX should have a setup feature (if it is a computer version) that will allow you to adjust the EPA, or end points on the throttle channel. You simply adjust the EPA until when you move the stick up from dead throttle, about 1 or two clicks up the prop starts turning. Then check the max throttle EPA as well, make sure you hit full with 1 or two clicks left to go.
If you do not have a computer TX, then you need to try and reprogram your ESC for the min. and max. throttle. Just go thru the setup procedure again and that should fix it. Actually you may want to reprogram the ESC before doing the first option as well, just to make sure that is not the problem.