So... I've recently started my second play through, this time as an orc - a beserking, smashing, melee orc.

Atm. I'm level 12 having completed the Companions and half way through the Dark Brotherhood.

However, I seem to face some difficulties. My main character (lvl. 45) is an elf archer and has never really faced an impossible task. Sure, I've been killed loads of times, but then I rethink a strategy and get the thing done.
BUT on my orc I'm currently using a 2-handed weapon, + exploiting my berserker racial (and of course the werewolf form once in a while) which does the job many of the times, but fails to deliver against fierce enemies. I don't have any shouts yet what so ever, as I've not initiated the dragons, which limits me to the use of my own powers.
Especially do I find it a pain in the.... fighting those metal, robot things in the dwarven ruins. I don't know why, but my defense is way too weak giving the fact that I'm using a 2-handed.
Perk-wise, I'm kinda improving my heavy armory and such. But I'm really considering using a one handed + a shield. I mean, isn't that the way to go? Or can you actually kill, say frost dragons and dragon priests by using a 2-handed weapon?

(and as a side question: What's the best shield + one handed combo in game? Dawnbreaker, axe or mace?)

Some help is much appreciated!
Thank you