3D Studio Max 7 question?

When I select something the x,y, and z axis is always shown, in the center of the object I selected, extending out in their proper directions (its not the image at the bottom left of the xyz). I used to be able to select a specific one and click and drag it so that it would be restricted to that axis. Each axis would have a specific color. But now, the axis shown are all red. I can't restrict movement, scale, or anything to a specifict axis. I can't move anything exact. I checked the hot keys incase I pressed one and I didn't see anything. Any experts? can you help?