I don't think your stupid.
When the computer sees that something is wrong, it turns on the SES (Service Engine Soon) light and stores a trouble code. If you go to AutoZone (or most Advance Autos) they will hook up a scanner and tell you the codes for free. Those guys usually don't know what they are talking about so, just write down the codes, then come back and tell us what they are. When we have the codes we will be able to help you a lot better. Anything help that we can give now would just be a guess. And guessing isn't a good way to fix a problem effeciently.