You will probably find you are playing to tight on the lower limits or not controlling the pot size. I say this because it is the exact problem I have. Of course the players are better at the higher limits (typically) but your play may be more adjusted to the higher stakes games. I have the same problem and found exactly what someone else said before me. I do not adjust my play properly. I am having modest success at the 109's and doing ok at 215's (I don't play many of these) by playing basic poker. Trying too much trickery without the skills needed usually just lands me in trouble. Luckily my bank roll allows me to continue to learn at the 109's but if I see a significant stumble I'll move down.