Help with creating a slideshow

I am new to Photoshop Elements and Premier Elements.  I am experiencing problems when trying to load photos which are at present on a cd which I would like to download in PSE and create a slideshow with music.  I can get the photos into the Organizer but after selecting on the ones I am using as a test, the system freezes on me. 3 error reports have been sent to Adobe and I've not to date received any help.  I have uninstalled and reinstalled both programmes (I had both on trial and thought that might be causing some issue) however I'm still experiencing the same problem.  The photos have been saved initially as jpgs, I've tried converting them to psd but no matter what I do I can't get any further.  If I can't achieve what I'm trying to do, Photoshop Elements is a waste of my money.   I'm not technical and 72 years old. I use my pc mainly for craft work so anyone responding with help, can you do it in layman's terms please!