Gradient mesh curser not appearing

[adunate]

I'm trying to create a gradient mesh on a shape of the state of minnesota. I've clicked (U) and also on Mesh Tool from the Toolbar, but it does give me a cursor to create a point on the shape. I've also tried Object/Create Gradient Mesh, but it's not available. I have Fill in the forefront. I've also tried Expanding and Convert to Shape. No avail. What setting might I have wrong?

[Monika Gause]

Is there a (solid) fill applied to the shape? If not, you can only use the gradient mesh tool on the path.