drt,
recommend starting in small steps and then progressing. any literature by john walkenbach, steven bullen, or microsoft (although limited in information) is helpful. john walkenbach and steven bullen have there own web pages with useful tips and vba code examples. within google-groups, there is a wealth of posts regarding excel+vba by some "experts" or competent people.
the macro recorder is helpful is learning how code is created, but understand that once recorded, the exact steps will be repeated. try recording a macro that simply copies and pastes data or formatting a cell (or range of cells).
creating custom functions that are globally available, hence simplify certain computations are useful!
be certain that the information you get pertains to the version of excel you have.
for me, i attended corporate sponsored week-long training seminar for vba in 1994 or so, which prompted me to pursue vba more at the time. perhaps a seminar being held in your local area is available.
good luck!
-pmover