Eli, it is important to remember that in css specificity goes a long way. If your inline css is using the !important and isn't overriding the imported stylesheet rules then closely observe the code using a tool such as 'firebug' for firefox. It will show you the css being applied to your element. If there is a syntax error firebug will show you in the warning panel that it has thrown out the declaration.
Also remember that in general an id is more specific than a class is more specific than an element.
Hope that helps.
-Rick