Gradients?!?!

[celesalk]

Hey, I'm really confused on how you use the gradients. Most of the times that I try to use them, it totally covers up the picture. The best I've ever been able to do is the blue and purple one that I used on my current icon, but that's still heavier than I want. And most of the time when I try to use one it totally covers the pic to where all you see is just the gradient. So I'm wondering if anyone can teach me how to use them, cause I really don't think it's supposed to go like this.

Oh, I guess it would help to tell what program I use. I use Paint Shop Pro 8. Thanks in advance!!!