can't apply gradient

[sanjeewa.nibm]

I'm using photoshop 7
when creating a new layer from Layers window and apply the gradient from the toolbox
it still apply the gradient with black and white or black and gray only not some other color combination

AND EVEN in the tool box set back ground and foreground colors even doesn't apply the customized colors
wonder y ? please help

any more detailed explanation can be given , please help

[kiwicolin]

Are you in RGB mode?
Are you applying to a layer or a layer mask?

[sanjeewa.nibm]

Oh , thanks for the Advice , I WAS NOT IN THE RGB mode
See I'm really a newcomer isn't it
Ok , if u can advice me to a "Building a website with Photoshop and Dreamweaver"
It's a great help , any video tutes series might be so handy

Thanks again kiwicolin for the help