General Cycling Discussion - Don't laugh...how to inflate tire,diff.type valve

I have a tire with the (forgot name)valve that sticks out. How do I inflate? I put the adapter on that came with my pump,screwed it on ...no air going in. Does the end piece have to be out or in?
Thanks.

here is the pics of the two different types of vavles:

http://www.nexternal.com/icycles/images/valves.jpg

which one is it? If it is presta then there is a little nut on the top and you ahve to loosen it then you are able to pump air into it. And once you are done pumping then close the nut. Also when you loosen the nut tap it to release some of the air (forgot specifically why)

So you have a presta valve but your trying to put on the Presta to Schrader adapter? Well usually the adapter has a knurled end, you want that end to be out. There will be threading on the outside of the adapter, this is the threading used for a valve cap

Its a Presta. I unscrewed it and put the adapter on but it is real hard to pump and tire not inflating.
Unscrew it all the way? a little??

My adapter is a cheap plastic one that came with a cheap bell pump...does that matter?

I got it ...thanks! I unscrewed the valve,it was stiff and I pressed down on it and it became loose.
I thought I broke it but when I tried to inflate it took the air!
Thanks

A presta valve uses air pressure to keep the valve closed.
A Scharder valve uses a spring mechinism to keep the valve closed.

...and the Bike Forums people come through again.

thank you