What version of iOS are you on? If its 4.x.x then the updates may be written for iOS 5.x.x in which case they may not update. To find the version of iOS go to the Settings App then General>About>Version.
There is lots of good advice and info on here plus plenty of members all too willing to help with any problems.
You can download the manual for your iPad here http://support.apple.com/manuals/ and in iBooks search for "iPad user guide for" and you will find free comprehensive manuals for both iOS 4 and 5.
If you have other Apple products or are interested in other Apple kit then why not join our sister forum too at http://www.appleforums.net/
Finally, if you still haven't had enough, how about a video explaining about our other forums (note:you may want to play this at half speed but hey, why shouldn't Phil be excited about our forums!)