Please help! Gradient Problems

[Qua5D9B]

I am having trouble with the graidents in my projects. When ever I construct outlined rectangles with the shape tool and then dragging them into a group, the gradient color changes everytime I move it. When ever I move the group down, closer to the bottom. the gradient gets darker, like the whole canvas has a gradient on it. In my many years of using photoshop, I never had this problem. It's like if I turned it into a smart object and was able to move the gradient in the shape, but I didnt have to convert it into a smart object, it just normally stuck to the shape, and yes, I did align the group gradient. Im not sure what the problem is, and whenever I look it up, nothing helps. Im using Photoshop CS6 by the way.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Is »Link With Layer« checked? 

Could you please post screenshots with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Channels, Options Bar, …) visible? 

[Qua5D9B]

Sorry for the late response,was out all day. Here are some screenshots. As you see, when I move it, the gradient changes, and when I made it a smart layer, it stays the same when I move it, but I never had to make it a smart object before. Also, could you guide me where the link with layer is. Thanks

[c.pfaffenbichler]

[Qua5D9B]

I unchecked align with layer and rechecked it, but it still is the same. Is there anythign specific you need to see?

[Qua5D9B]

[c.pfaffenbichler]

I recommend you start using proper Gradient Layers for this. 

[Mohammad.Harb]

since this has never happened before, I highly recommend Resetting preferences settings.