Transform tool not available

When I try using the transform tool all I have is the red crossed out circle when I have it anywhere across the screen. I have my workplace in default mode, I haven’t screwed around with the settings. I am trying to do the animation exercise when you use ease in and out to get a circle to “roll” to the side. I need to use the transform tool for this and for some reason it says I can’t use it, can’t click nothing, a completely useless cursor.