Try using a smaller needle. I like to use a sewing straight pin like this:
http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/42/99/23109942.jpg
Also remember that the c-clip has two ends. One end will be angle toward you and the other end will be angles away from you.
You want to try and pull the c-clip out by putting the needle between the outer race of the bearing and the c-clip end that is facing away from you. In the picture above it is the end on the right side.