To answer the first question: Home Base was swallowed up by Lowe's a few years back.
It sounds like the tubes in question are not fully started. Some of these newer tubes (since they took the toxic chemicals out) are finicky about starting, especially when new. Try twisting them in their sockets slightly (not too far, or they will fall out!), then back to the seated position. This has worked for me in the past, but may not solve your problem, since it is a new installation.
