transmission problem

Hello everybody.. I just got a 1997 Firebird with v6.. It seams that when starting off It doesnt go into first its like its starts out in seccond.. even when I put the shifter into 1st it still seams to start from seccond? Also when going It doesnt seam to want to drop to a lower gear when I get on it... What is the 2nd button? could it have something to do with that....

any ideas?
Thanks!
Dillon

would there be any kind of shift linkage or a cable that might need an adjustment?

The 2nd button is for 2nd gear start. Its supposed to help in slippery conditions. If that is pushed then that would be the reason for the problem