Reading the above again, it sounds like you're axle is inserted the wrong way round? The bolt head end of the axle (which locks against the adjuster) should be on the right as you sit on the bike and the axle nut should be on the left.

I have seen a couple of instances where the axle has been slid in from the chain side, rather than the disc side giving rise to the same "spinning axle" symptoms as you describe.

__________________