If your soil and weather supports the growth of plants like grasses, holds moisture, and is not too hot, then you should be able to grow lettuce easily. Most of my gardening knowledge comes from trial and error. For new seeds and plants I start with very few seed in a small space. If the crop fails, I have not wasted too much time and effort. If the crop thrives, I plant seed in larger area the following season.

Cheers!

Chervil2

Do not burry the seeds in the soil. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the soil and keep it wet.Seeds require Red light to germinate.In case of lettuce if burried the Red light signal strength will not be enogh to trigger the germination.

Chaman may be right about the seeds needing light to germininate, but I always cover my lettuce seeds with some soil, not much to be sure, but enough to keep the birds from eating it before it germinates.
Lettuce won't germinate well in the heat. If you want to try sowing it in summer (I'd imagine your summers can get quite hot), sow the seeds in a shady spot. It should do well anytime except in winter, unless you can rig up a cold frame.
Lettuce like lots of water and a well manured soil so that it grows quickly and doesn't become too bitter.
Mache (aka Lamb's Lettuce or Corn Salad) should do well for you in the colder parts of the season too. It's hardier than lettuce, at least it is for me.