How do you apply a gradient in Photoshop 7?

Just trying to make a simple gradient, and the Photoshop directions are not consistent with what I am experiencing.

I created the gradient, and from that point, the directions say to choose the gradient, then click and drag to apply the gradient. However, when I do so, nothing happens. What am I missing?

Note that I am posting here after approximately 2 hours of trying to do this one simple thing. This is frustrating. Fireworks is much better and more intuitive, but because Photoshop is the leader, I have to use it at this job.

It's just a question of personal preference when it comes to a program's interface. Photoshop can be really very intuitive once you get a hold of it.

Try to drag the mouse when drawing a gradient instead of just clicking.

I did click and drag.