Search setup issues!

Hi Guys
I’ve tried everything but can’t seem to set up site search properly.

Whenever I add extra search fields (taxonomies etc) and click save, it comes up ‘saved’ but no options show under the default ‘keyword’ box!

Also – advanced search link isnt showing on the home page?

AND – how do I get it to list an option where users can search by one of the custom listing input fields (in this case a date put in for the listing)?

I’m stuck!!!

Thanks
Amanda