Newb question, I need help with backgrounds.

I have a 19'' 1,400x900 monitor.  I have a background that's bigger than my monitor's resolution, because I thought I could format it to squeeze in there.  When I try to set the background to stretch, it doesn't change.  Even when I try to set it to tile, nothing changes.  Halp.  My OS is Vista 32-bit Premium.

makeup tricks