Particle Shapes

I am using a simple particle system to add a rain type effect.

EXAMPLE:

The shape I am using is 40 pixels long, 10 pixels high.

When the particle is emitted I am shown a 20 pixel by 20 pixel image.

Like it has been squished together... The sprite that I am using has been cropped properly... Not sure how to fix this, any help?

You forgot to add your example ;)

I gave up on it. Just going to use something more subtle.