[Henry17]

I think it is safe to remove #2 and #3.

#1 Never been a fan of books. I don't think poker can be learned by reading. Also even if we assume the books were good that doesn't mean the strategy they taught you were appropriate for the level you are playing.

I think that is the most likely answer. You are playing .25/.50 limit online. That isn't poker. That is bingo. My usual live game is 10-20 and 20-40. If I sat down at .25-.50 it would take me some time to adjust to the game. If I tried to play the same as I play 10-20 I'd lose. The problem is you read books to learn poker rather then understanding poker so you can't adjust and the strategies are for higher limits.