I loaded the gigastudion samples from the disks. When I select the instrument (i.e. snare drum) and click on program in the Kompakt browser window, nothing happens!

Are you clicking on the actual word ("programs"), or are you clicking on the little folder icon. I believe clicking on the folder doesn't do anything, however when you single-click the actual WORD ("programs"), you should see the instrument appear in the lower window.

AB