grr.... this is driving me nuts!

I have the table adapter set.. added the insertnewcustomer "query"

and used this:

Code:
Try
                Dim TA As New POSDataTableAdapters.CustomersTableAdapter
                Dim TE As Integer = IIf(chkTaxExempt.Checked, 1, 0)
                Dim INS As Integer = TA.InsertNewCustomer(cboFirstName.Text, cboLastName.Text, txtCustBusiness.Text, txtAddress1.Text, txtAddress2.Text, txtCity.Text, txtState.Text, txtZip.Text, txtCustPhone_Home.Text, _
                                                        txtCustPhone_Cell.Text, txtCustPhone_Work.Text, txtExt.Text, txtEmail.Text, txtCustNotes.Text, TE)

                MsgBox(INS)
            Catch ex As Exception
                MsgBox(ex.Message)
            End Try
no error.. msgbox INS gives the correct CustomerID (4) but nothing goes into the table!!

Could someone tell me what i am missing.. or tell me how to use regular SQL connections for a local DB?

Thanks!