Would like to start investing in stocks, bonds, etc...?

I don't have much money to start with (read: gamble), but I am watching certain stocks that I would like to get into rise and I don't know how to get purchase these stocks. It takes a start up cost of $2000 just to get into ETRADE and again, I don't have that kind of cash. Any ideas on where to begin. I understand there is plenty risk involved with the market but without risk there is no reward. For example: Should I roll my meager 401k into a Roth IRA to have more readily available funds to use as I see fit, o am I seeing things incorrectly. I need some guidance for my future finance!