note var. slider

Hi again. I'm trying to see if my note variation slider is broken, or what the heck is up with it. I was following the tutorial on spicing up sequences (applying fx, filter sweeps), and when I try to use my note var. slider in the way it's suggested, I get nothing. When I go to the assign screen, and I assign a pad, say, to filter, if I hit the pad again after it's been assigned, it just plays back at the "low range" setting, regardless of where the slider is. Then, in the main screen while recording, it plays back at this same "low range" setting--even while I'm rockin' the fader. When I depress the "after" button and listen back, no fader action either. I've tried with the "after" button both on and off while overdubbing and trying to use the fader, and listening on playback--no response. Is this common? Any suggestions?

Ben