Pen tool/ fill problems

Hi, I’ve been trying to learn flash and this site is VERY helpful! I just wanted to see if anyone could help me figure out how to figure out what I am doing wrong when i draw with the pen tool and can not put a fill in after i am through. I have made sure that the shape is completed, or I connect the beginning and end points. I have tried changing the fill option to fill big gaps. Some times it just does not want to fill in the shape I have drawn.

I also would like to know what the easiest way to unsure I draw on the top layer so you can see what is drawn. I find that some how the tool I select sometimes gets pushed back in the layer order and the lines disappear behind a drawing i have done previously.

If you can help me I would appreciate it!