tsgnurk: Do you have the glass key with you? (It's from Hadrian in the first panari temple if you wonder where to find it)
If you have the glass key, just "use it" on the ancient device.
If this doesn't work then theres some sort of bug, it should work :P
So this is the general check-list for the iron clan thing:
1: Talk to Erik
2: Open that zoological society safe thingy
3: Go to the place of whispers, place the drums, hear the message
4: Get the book "durins truth"
5: Get the glass key from Hadrians collection
6: go to the ancient iron clan home, use key on device, passageway should open
from there on its a small dungeon :)
note: 1,2 and 3 can actually be skipped entirely :)
edit2: if you wonder how to use the key its quite simple, put it in 1 of the action bars like you would with a grenade or spell. (or lift it over the "hand" button thingy in inventory menu)
the key that i have is the one you make from the heartstone and mithrill, from the schematic i got from Erik. i remember in the past Hadrian did not give up any of his collection. i may need a high level of persuasion to get it.