Problem with a simple program (reading push button presseS)

int pb = 7;                 //push button pin 7
  pb=digitalRead(7);                       //pb = pushbutton state high or low

So, is pb a pin number or a state? Get your story straight.

How IS your switch wired? Using the internal pullup resistor makes wiring the switch so much easier. One leg to the digital pint; the other leg to ground.