Multiple random display images?

Thanks in advance...

First off, let me say that this is my first Drupal site and I love so far. Everything has been pretty simple and straight forward, til now.

I am using Drupal 6.9 and attempting to use the Views Slideshow module. I am using it with the Image module as well. I am been successful in setting up the slideshow into a block so that I can add it to my sidebar. However, I have noticed a few things.

1. The first, (top), image is the only one that is fading and displaying random images.

2. The top two images are always, (initially), the same image.

3. I have the "Items to Display" count set to 5, but it actually displays 6. I think this may be a result of the previous problem.

4. I would also like to remove the text so that only the image is displayed. I have been looking and trying others' solutions with no luck. I have looked into each of the files that came with the slideshow module trying to find the settings, but I cannot locate the right ones. Do I need to create a CSS file to make my changes?

Of all these issues, my main priority is have more than the top image be random and fade properly.

Before finding this module I attempted using the Gallery2 module which was promising until I realized that I could not access my Admin/Modules page with it installed and could not find a solution to it.