Waltorious: If you need to use skill potions, chances are you just aren't high enough level to tackle them yet. I've noticed that character level is often the biggest factor in whether enemies can be hit or whether spells succeed when cast at enemies. In MM2, boosting character stats really high can help a lot too, but character level is still really important.
If you're running into warrior maidens that you simply can't seem to damage, perhaps try exploring other places for a while and returning when you're higher level.
Ok. Thanks,..thats probably it. I'm only at level ten.