I have to say TicoPhil that the learning curve involved in getting to grips with a very complex software like Cubase is daunting. I know I had a lot of issues just like everyone here when I started. The troubleshooting is the key way you develop skills. The day spent not getting any sound until you realise that you left a box un-ticked is the kind of thing that has happened to me time and time again. The more you use Cubase the better you will get.
We know that there are no stupid questions a beginner can ask. Because we have all asked them.