how do i make a transparent background in Photoshop Elements 13

YES the background IS transparent ... but when i open it up or drag/drop into a document it shows a white background.

my workflow was as follows:

first time i went with the suggestion by hastead (above)

1. Open the picture file
2. Use one of the selection tools to select the foreground
3. Place the selection on its own layer (Layer>New>Layer via copy or CTRL+J) - this will be Layer 1
4. Delete the background layer
5. If you want to save it, use a file format which supports transparency, e.g.PNG

it showed transparent layer as i said, but white background is there when i try to copy/paste or drag/drop the image onto something else.

second time i did this:

*  open up the file with background - flower on white background.

*  unlock the layer

*  created a new layer and dragged it below

*  with magic wand tool selected all around the image.

*  deleted the background layer

*  checkered background shows on file.

saved for web/devices and chose .png with transparency checked

however ... the image shows the saved file (which has no transparent background) and when i copy/paste or drag/drop the image onto something it has a white background, not transparent.

thanks for your attention to my problem.

1. Open the picture file
2. Use one of the selection tools to select the foreground
3. Place the selection on its own layer (Layer>New>Layer via copy or CTRL+J) - this will be Layer 1
4. Delete the background layer
5. If you want to save it, use a file format which supports transparency, e.g.PNG