You have a two part question and first it would be best to find out what is wrong with your template before you try to post an auction with it. Here is a link to useful thread on how to create a custom template here at Auctiva-
Click Here.
To help you with your "tables" question we need to actually view the HTML. Follow the instructions then come back and post a link to your template here.
To actually start listing or creating an auction you need not go any further than clicking on the "listing" tab then find the link on the page that states "Create New Listing". Fill in that page with the proper information then you will be able to save or Post that listing.