Can't get parallels to work

I am new to the Mac and have just bought a new MacBook Pro with Mountain Lion OS. I need Windows apps so am trialling Parallels 8 with Windows 8 installed. the install worked, and I have had it working, using IE to surf and viewing some security camera software - but now, nothing works. I have a Windows 8 Parallels shortcut at the top right of my desktop, double clicking it puts a parallels icon in the dock at the bottom for a few seconds then it disappears. I also have parallels short cuts on my desktop for the security software, but again I click and it displays in the dock only for a few seconds.
I also have Windows folder in my dock from which I can see Control Panel, Internet Explorer and all the Windows links but again, clicking Calculator shows the calculator icon in the dock with parallel lines for a few secs before it goes.
I am really puzzled and new to this, so help appreciated - I'm sure it must be simple understanding!
Thanks in advance.

 

Forget about all the shortcuts for a moment. From your Applications folder, start Parallels Desktop. If the Virtual Machines list doesn't appear, select it from the Window menu.

Now for the VM (virtual machine) you created, is it running or do you see a little moon icon? If you see an unlit power symbol, click it to start the VM. If you see a moon, it is suspended. Double-click the VM to open its window and "Click to resume" as it says. Then try running your application(s).

You don't explain what happened between "I have had it working" and "but now, nothing works" so we need to make sure your VM is running properly.

Steve

 

Getting there

Hi,
Thanks for this response. I actually tried looking in Applications as the desktop icon was a shortcut that did nothing, and remembered that, trying to be organised, I had dragged the Parallels application into a new sub-folder. I moved it back and the shortcut icon disappeared and it worked!
Feel dumb, but new to the Mac and Parallels!
Thanks, Julian