Jacks Tech Corner

I found you on youtube, thanx for the videos. I am new to pse 7 and am having trouble with the layers. I created what I thought was a colored image background layer. I have tried to add pics to it, everytime I try to open a pic it does not create a new layer, it overrides what is already there and replaces the colored background image layer with the pic, and then it is also locked. The two images appear in the bin but not on the layer panel to the right of the workspace. I have tried to create new layers but importing the pic will not be part of them.
I am trying to create a 4x8 photo card...background, 4 pics with frames, text and graphics, thought this might give you an idea of what I need to do. I understand that each of these will need a layer but I just don't get it, each pic just seems to replace the other!
HELP! I have been at this for hours!

I would create a new layer first then try adding a picture to it. I learned to keep the background color layer on the bottom of the layer palette. Hope this helps