Hi I have just started playing Skyrim on my new PS3 and there are items I just can't 'take'. Certain swords, all gold and the Spell tome: sparks in the cage. X appears when I hover over it and says take and the item floats in the air but it won't go into my inventory. When I move it just comes with me then drops if I press X again. Also books don't seem to be reading properly. I looked at a run-through on You Tube and all the items i am having problems with just collected immediately.
I have tried 2 different players, I am sure it is something simple or stupid but can anyone help before I get disheartened on my first night.
Sorry if this has been covered before but nothing came up when I searched for it.

Might be doing it wrong. If the loot button is x (I play on PC, so i have no idea if it is) then just hit it, instead of holding it if that's what you've been doing.

Matt3rson's right, back in oblivion, picking up items and grabbing them were different buttons (which i got used to on ps3 and pc), but in Skyrim you hold the pickup button to grab it and throw it or move it behind a corner to steal. So try just tapping it

Thanks very much - can't believe it was that simple. I was just pressing the button too long!