Aries and JMW 10 Arm

I just got an Aries turntable with a JMW 10 arm and have a few questions. The arm lift does not lift the JMW arm high enough to clear the record. Is the lift broke or is there an adjustment that can be made? If it is broke any ideas on if and/or how to fix it. I bought the table and arm used and I have no manual for the arm. I have called VPI but was wondering if anyone could help while I wait for it to arrive. My next question is, does anyone use a mat with this table and if so, what kind? I just got this table yesterday so any and all suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!
Tim