Does not shift into reverse?

My 07 Ford Focus will not shift into reverse, I have read that it means the clutch needs to be bled, or to check tranny fluid, or its all gone to !&&*, but I just had a baby and want to try to get what I can done myself to save money. I looked up checking the fluid but it says it is the same res. as brake fluid and I am just not picturing this. How do I check tranny fluid, or bleed a clutch? Has anyone else had this issue and been able to fix it with out some crazy tranny exchange?