Preloader trouble

Hi, i am new to the forum, i am having some trouble making my preloader work.
i got the code for the preloader from http://www.kirupa.com/developer/mx/percentagepreloader.htm

here is the problem:
i added the preloader but it will not even show up until it was about 97% of the way finished then it will flash up right before the rest of the stuff loads in- so basically it was useless.
OR-
i spent a while reading and found some sources that said - if you have any elements (photos) linked from the library then go to their properties and uncheck the box called “export in first frame,” i did that but the result was that the preloader shows up basically like it is supposed to but now my images will not show up at all

any thought or suggestions?!