Question : Clone Stamp ALT KEY Not Working - Photoshop 6.0

Points Assignment
As this is an Urgent Issue, I have assigned it the maximum points.  Thank you for your help.

Background
I have been using Photoshop 6.0 for 2 years and the 'Clone Stamp' has been my primary tool of choice.  Recently, I have been reading basic tutorials and experimenting with 'Layers'.

Problem
I am now unable to use 'Clone Stamp' because the ALT KEY has no effect.  I do not know how to determine whether the ALT KEY has been re-assigned.  That might be a good place to start.

When I press the left mouse button a spray paint-like brush applies (or reveals?) whatever 'Pattern' has been selected.  I have never intentionally selected this 'Pattern' option nor do I know it's intended use as I have never studied it.  

Attempted Solutions
   - As I read in another entry, the 'Aligned' (next to 'Pattern') check box has been de-selected.
   - I have also re-installed Photoshop from CD-ROM to no avail.
   - As far as I can tell, no 'Layer Locks' are active unless there is some 'Preferences' option of which I am unaware.

Question
Part I:
"How do I determine whether the ALT KEY has been re-assigned and how do I restore it?  

Part II  (if not resolved in Part I):
How do I restore the 'Clone Stamp Tool' in Photoshop 6.0 to it's original operation?"

Answer : Clone Stamp ALT KEY Not Working - Photoshop 6.0

are you sure you're not using the Pattern Stamp Tool and not the Clone Stamp Tool? click and hold on the tool icon in the tool's palette and it will have  a flyout with either Clone Stamp Tool or Pattern Stamp Tool.