stamp pad

problem: shapes, pencil, pen, calligraphy, paint bucket, and text tools are not creating images. more specifically, when i drag any one of these tools (i.e., shapes, pencil...) across the canvas, i do not see any result (i.e., a shape, a line...).

inkscape version: the problem started when i was using 0.45.1 so i uninstalled 0.45.1 and installed 0.46 in its place.

OS: windows xp

other steps i have taken to trying solving the problem:
1) making sure the layer is not locked and is visible
2) making sure the view is in normal mode
3) selecting alternate colors
4) reinstalling java/runtime environment
5) reinstalling svg viewer (adobe)
6) changing my inkscape preferences so the toolbox is hidden and/or the icons are smaller
7) importing the page into photoshop (in case i am drawing on the canvas but unable to see what is there in inkscape itself)
8) reviewing answers to similar problems described by other inkscape users (and implementing relevant recommendations)

thus far, none of the steps i have taken have solved the problem.

as a side note, i am not including a screenshot with this description of my problem because there is nothing to look at but a blank inkscape canvas...

i would greatly appreciate any suggestions that anyone might be willing to offer! inkscape is such a fantastic program, i feel lost being unable to use it!
thank you in advance for your time and help.
ani