I can't believe how stupid I am getting with software ! I used to be able to pick up on stuff fast. Getting older now.
SO HOW THE FRIG DO I COPY AND PASTE A SIMPLE PIECE OF A PICTURE ? I tried the usual ctrl+c and then ctrl+v. Just get a blank rectangle the same size as what I was trying to copy and paste. Also, how the heck do you clone in this program? I don't see the cloning tool anywhere? I saw a video demo after a Google search but it was too blurred to figure out where the guy got the icon from. Very frustrating when the basics are so confusing.
The non-working copying might be cause by the "Paint under" blending mode. The blending mode (Paint over, Replace, Paint under) influences the pasted image - look for 3 icons with red-over-blue rectangles.
Another problem might be that you are copying part of an empty layer. Only content in the active layer is copied.
Cloning tool icon looks like a rubber stamp. BTW you did not specify what software you are actually using - cloning is currently only available in RealWorld Photos.
Find out how Vista icons differ from XP icons.
See how RealWorld Icon Editor handles Vista icons.