Need help with variables

Anon

I am unable to INSERT variables into my database although I can print them using
{
print $GET["first"];
}
$POST["first"] also works as does $_REQUEST.

I am using PHP4 and when I attempt to INSERT INTO using:

mysql_connect(localhost, root);
mysql_select_db (mydb);
mysql_query ("INSERT INTO employees (first) VALUES ('$first');

A blank record is actually inserted into mydb.
If I do not use a variable then the data is inserted correctly.
I have been searching for an answer for three days.

Please Help.

Anon

mysql_query ("INSERT INTO employees (first) VALUES ('" . $_GET["first"] . "'" );

Anon

This actually does the same thing. I tried to print the variables to the screen and that also fails so evidently the variables are not being passed to the php script for some reason.

This code shows the form but does not pass the variables to the screen.

<body>

<?php
if ($submit) {
// process form
while (list($name, $value) = each($HTTP_POST_VARS)) {

echo "$name = $value<br>\n";

}

} else{

// display form

?>
<form method="post" action="<?php echo $PHP_SELF?>">
First name:<input type="Text" name="first"><br>
Last name:<input type="Text" name="last"><br>
Address:<input type="Text" name="address"><br>
Position:<input type="Text" name="position"><br>
<input type="Submit" name="submit" value="Enter information">

</form>
<?php
} // end if

</body>

Is there a possibility that I have something set up incorrectly in the ini files.

Thanks for any help.

Callen