hey, thanks for all the replies
it turns out the boxes for the vectors were there, just invisible, as well as the bones. I think it was a bad CD so i borrowed my friends for the time being and it works fine

hahahahaha

The correct layers are selected, and the correct tool is used. In fact, no matter what tool I use it will not convert the path to vectors. Even squares have no little vector boxes!

i already browsed the software tutorials and help, no dice, it just jumps into using vectors w/o answering my question.
if someone has the answer i would really appreciate it

When I use Anime Studio, no vector points appear, it draws the image, but I can't manipulate it and can't add bones. WTF?