Build Magento Store for Online Tutoring Company

I have recently downloaded version 1.4. My host is sitebuild.com. *I am able to enter products and categories in my admin mode. However, I do not see the changes on my front end. The tech support stated that it was a compatibility issue that they have resolved. *I still do not see my products/categories in a drop down window. The drop down window is hidden behind the background. *I purchased an SSL certificate through my hosting company. I do not see the 's' on the http, neither do I see the locket on the url window. I was told that the security feature will only show on pages that need it. *I am ok with a new store template (though I hope to save the categories I have already created). I want the store template to allow 1) newsletter sign-up 2)Poll. I am willing to sacrifice the poll feature. *There are no pictures needed to upload in the products section. I would like to add my company's logo. My online store is [login to view URL]