Audio Track Frustrations... HELP!

I am new to Cubase and I am trying to get to know it. I will list some problems I am having right now that are preventing me from moving forward. Just FYI I have the most up to date version of Cubase AI and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen interface which works great.

I can record a MIDI Instrument track without any problems but I plug in a guitar, I hear my guitar, I see the Audio Activity Default Input Channel meter is reading my signal but I do not see the meter on the track reading the signal. I can pull up the tuner or a VST amp and they do not react to my signal BUT if I record a track anyway, when I play it back the amp effect was recorded! What theā€¦???

I am also noticing Cubase is crashing about 95% off the time when I close it.

Hi,

Is the Monitor button switched On on the Audio Track?