i did that - i think it may be the theme im using - just thought: ill try changing it

Theme? Interesting, it should not matter on generally available themes. Try your default first and make sure it works.

Please, read some XOOPS FAQ we aren't here to install and setup everything for you. It's impossible. If you read FAQ for 30 minutes i'm sure you'll be able to not only install/setup your basic site but learn on how to do quite a few other things. If you do some reading it will help not only for us but to you as well.

Gediminas