It actually should be as simple as what you're expecting...
Let's check out the basics going in to see what the problem might be.
Can you give us a few details?
Are you recording direct in or using a mic (or both)?
If it's a mic, is it a condenser?
Are you assigning the input(s) to the track(s) you are wanting to record onto?
Is the 'Record' button flashing or showing a steady light when you are recording?
Are you seeing movement on ALL the level meters on the screen? (i.e. the INPUT meters (A-B), the MASTER meters (L-R) AND the individual track meters (1-2/3-4/etc)
Other things to check: Headphones not plugged into the footswitch jack, or insuring that you are using the LINE OUT jacks (RCA) and not the FX Return (1/4") to connect to your amp/monitors.
Check out these things and get back to us... Hopefully it's just something simple