Why can't I animate a character in the animation and rigging tolket?

For some reason, whenever I try to add key frames, nothing happens…the only way I can make an animation (Not turning out well) is if I move an arm, maybe, and then get into IK mode, then switch back. And I have to keep doing that every single time I move a part of a character. Can someone help? Why can’t I add key frames? I know exactly how to animate with Maya 2014, so…what’s the problem?