how can i get the (now stock) recreation of the space shuttle to launch with mechjeb?

[cmj2003]

i cant get it to launch with mechjeb side case it just autos it to the ground

[Rhomphaia]

You don't.

It is really hard to fly, Mechjeb has no chance.

[Mystique]

You mean using MJ part as control module or using MJ ascent guidance? If first, then it's maybe because part stick on side of vessel and thus it's pointing in wrong direction, i.e. what's forward for MJ may be "down" for whole craft. Also those shuttles (don't know about which one exactly you're talking though) usually have their center of thrust not aligned with center of mass, which causes rotation that has to be corrected (like using shuttle engines mod, they have wide gimbal angle range to correct this issue).

[Zylark]

MechJeb is excellent for many routine tasks. Getting rockets to orbit and getting landers down safe at a selected spot for instance. But there are also things MechJeb don't do well - amongst them flying aircraft. So might as well get used to flying planes manually. Which isn't that difficult going up, but can be tricky going down. With the latter MJ can help a bit though. The Spaceplane landing guidance/autopilot of MJ have a very helpful target indicator that is nice and easy to follow. Just don't let MJ fly the thing if you value your Kerbals...