smd4

Huh. Then it sounds like the QR was just twisted on tight. When you get a new one, play around with it to understand how the cam action works. You'll be glad you have quick releases.

Hondo6

If the skewer rod is steel (most are) and isn't horribly badly corroded/rusted, as noted above you likely only need a new acorn nut.

Sunlite sells replacement chromed steel acorn nuts that are very similar to early-1990s era Shimano chromed acorn nuts. A 2-pack will set you back around $12.

Or your LBS may have a decent one they'll sell you cheap. They may even simply give you one if you've done a fair amount of business with them in the past or if the guy in charge is feeling good the day you go there.

Some acorn nuts have plastic outer shells with steel inserts. These work (the steel insert has teeth that grip the dropout as well as steel threads), and are lighter. But the chromed steel version are IMO worth the extra weight. They're more durable.

That said, I've also picked up pairs (F/R) of new Shimano internal cam skewers for around $20. These are great, and IMO are both a fine design (clamp better) as well as being reasonably priced for what you get.

Best of luck getting this fixed and the bike back on the road.