Hi Baf65,
I have a 8SE that is very similar to your telescope and I suggest that you have a read of the manual... but if you couldn't be bothered i will post what you should be doing.
OK.. here is a checklist
1. Make sure that the tripod is level.
2. Make sure that you entered the correct time, date, time zone and coordinates and that you are using S & E.
3. When using the Skyalign method, make a large triangle in the sky using three brights stars. Then align the star into the RDF and press ENTER. Then look through the EP and center the star and press ALIGN.
4. The HC should now say 'alignment successful' and you will be star gazing in no time.
Oh and another thing, are you using AA batteries by any chance?
Hope this helps.
