Hi all; New to Skyrim, but experienced game player ( I think )..

Question: How do I "use" items?

I know to use the "E" key. On some items I get a "popup" to "take" the item & add to my inventory. Other times I use the "E" key & the items just "hang" in the air. I can move it, but not use it or put it in my inventory. Example, I need a shield, pick it up & it just floats. In the 1st town, want to chop wood, I find the woodsman axe, use the "E" key & it floats, go to the chopping stump- same. "floating" in air. Reading books--they just "float" in the air. I pick up pot's, knives daggers etc ( even gold coins) & they float. I see the weight, & value, but can't take or use it. I'm not overloaded etc. Suggestion please.

Wrong section. This is for Elder Scrolls Online not Skyrim.

I will move this.

It has to do with how you click on an object. A quick click opens it or takes it, a slow click allows you to grab the item and carry it around. It may also have to do with the reticule, whether it is small or large and when you click on it. I never paid attention to how it happens, as I use the Z Key, which is the way you are supposed to do this, But there is a way to trigger this with the click as I described above it is kind of irritating when it happens.

For the consoles, see this http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Grab

If your having issues getting the two straight in the game, try fiddling with your double click rates in the Mouse Applet of the Control Panel, might have to go slower or faster, try both. Should not take much of a change.

Or, are you looking in your inventory screens at these items? Because if can 3D manipulate items in your inventory. So, how to use an item. Weapons and clothing/armor has to be equipped. Potions have to be clicked on to drink, food and ingredients the same but they can be used in Cooking and Alchemy too. Most other stuff is used up by doing something in the game.