Alpha channel issues

Greetings,
I'm trying to create a lower third using a still image that I created from a video clip using Quicktime Conversions. I then import it into FCP, drag it to a sequence and then add livetype text to it. In the preview mode on my main sequence when played is fine, but when I render it the alpha channel disappears and a black background replaces my video with the lower third material still there. What happened to my alpha channel? Is there a problem or a bug in FCP 5.1.1? I'm bewildered.
Thanks,
Jordan

Editmojo,
I exported just the text from Livetype. I'm trying to create a customized lower third, but everytime I render the lower third nested sequence after I have added it to the main sequence a black background takes over with the lower third media there. Ordinarily, when you follow the instructions that I did it automatically keys over the video behind it.What happened? I did not have this problem with FCP 4.5. Is there an issued with FCP 5.1? I just spoke to a tech at Digital Juice regarding the use of their animations and he said that there was an issue with FCP 5.1 when it came to alpha channels. Is that the case? Would the update solve the problem?
Thanks,
Jordan

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    Try breaking these up into separate questions. Easier to answer and easier to be found by someone searching for answers to the same question.

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