Is the wheel not clickable? - that's what is usually meant by the middle button.
Erm,no,it just scrolls.
Try pressing the wheel instead of turning it to see if that works.
(I also used to have a wheel mouse that was not click-able some time ago)
Re automatic multiple tabs.
Sometimes when I click on something it will open with a new tab so I would then have two tabs on display, other times when I select something or possibly type a new URL it opens in the original tab leaving only one tab on display.
Yes, I have the new tab icon on the toolbar.
I suppose with it being new (to me that is), it will take time getting used to it.