I had this problem for the first 6 months or so when I started studying Japanese. People actually told me to give up because I couldn't remember anything. I just kept trying and eventually my brain 'powered up' and words got easier to remember. I think the brain is like a muscle, if you don't use it will become 'weak' and waste away. If you exercise it (with study etc), it will get 'stronger' and it will become easier to study and learn new things. Don't give up. lol As for learning new words, everyone remembers words in different ways so you have to find something that works for you. Maybe try using a memory card program like 'Memory lifter' or 'Anki' once or twice a day for a while (just google them). Or else you can try simply writing new words out over and over again until you remember them (boring I know). Maybe try making flash cards out of card or something and using those? I used to use a computer program called 'vocab bubble' ages ago that made words pop up every now and then in the corner of the screen (although it just ended up getting annoying in the end). There are lots of things you can do to remember new vocabulary, just use your imagination. lol Good luck

smart.fm will help you drill them into your head! (and, it's free!)