If you are trying to add a static block to the homepage, try following these steps:
1) Create your static block in the admin system:
cms > static block > add new block
Give your static block a Block Title, an Identifier and select the store view that you wish it to appear on.
Enable your static block and add some content.
This is an example of a static block:
Block title: testblock
Identifier: testblock
Store view: All store views
Status: Enabled
Content This is a test block
2) Save your block and go to CMS > Pages > Homepage
3a) If you want your block in the left column add the following code to Design > Layout Update XML
1 | <reference name="left"> <block type="cms/block" name="testblock" after="-"> <action method="setBlockId"><block_id>testblock</block_id></action> </block> </reference> |
3b) If you want your block in the center section, add the following code to Design > Layout Update XML
1 | <reference name="content"> <block type="cms/block" name="testblock" after="-"> <action method="setBlockId"><block_id>testblock</block_id></action> </block> </reference> |
3c) If you want your block in the right column, add the following code to Design > Layout Update XML
1 | <reference name="right"> <block type="cms/block" name="testblock" after="-"> <action method="setBlockId"><block_id>testblock</block_id></action> </block> </reference> |
4) Save your page and refresh your cache. Fingers crossed you should have a static block where you want it to be. 
Note: If you do not want you block to appear after everything in that column change the after=”-” section of the code. e.g. after=”cart_sidebar” would display the new block below the cart before=”cart_sidebar” would display the new block above the cart
