nothing happening in the circuit

Okay so I feel like a dummy. I'm running Windows 7, I have the arduino uno, as well as the entire starter kit. However, when I compile the first two sketches, both the ones I wrote and the default ones in the IDE, nothing happens in the the circuit. I know I have them wired correctly, I have rewired both of them several times with different wires and resistors, but nothing happens.

I know the board works, because the very first led test works and I can get as many led's I want to light up with switches and resistors. but, when i compile a sketch noting happens.

can someone please shed some light for me?

Thanks, John