Time Machine "backup failed" Backing up to Time Capsule (first backup)

I just received my iMac (24", 3.04 ghz, 4 gig ram) a few days ago...my firs Mac, after over 20 years with pc's. All working fairly well, as I try to learn the new format. Attempted my first backup last night using Time Machine, backing to Time Capsule. As I went to bed, it stated it was "preparing". This morning it stated "backup failed". "Time Capsule error". The networking aspects of Time Capsule are working without a problem. Unfortunately, the error message is vague and I'm definitely illiterate when it comes to much of the properties of a Mac. Any suggestions as to how I should proceed in investigating the problem? Thanks!!

Well, I greatly appreciate the earlier advice. I have learned much in my reading. Of course, now with my "tinkering", I determined that the Time Capsule was not formatted to OS extended (journaled) as was my Macintosh harddrive. (Don't really understand why it would not come that way). I attempted to format using disk utility, now it doesn't show up in that application and under FINDER (shared devices), it is detailed as "sharepoint". I read elsewhere that it was recommended to use airport utility to reformat to OS Extended (journaled). Anyway, of course, now I've gone full circle and am comfused as to the proper way to have it formatted properly and recognized by disk utility. As such, currently I cannot use it for backup.
Frequently, I'm my worsed enemy! Thanks again for the advice.

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