To extend on what legodacenstein said, if you're going to use Macro, you must be close up. If not, I believe the pictures will actually look worse... :-\
I have a Canon Power Shot, like both of you, and another great setting is "Aperture". This button is labeled "AV". This will allow you to change many settings, allowing you to take the picture you want. I don't really have any tips for it, so you can either mess around with it or look up articles about it on Google.
Also, what website are you uploading it to? I'd love to see the pictures!
