pro tools and microphone record thing

[protoolsfanatic]

hello :)

question 1)
when i try to record someone.. if pro tools are stopped and the record is enabled on the channel.. i can hear him... but when i press play (without record, with the record button enabled on channel), i can't hear him.. so i have to press record then play and then i hear him..... so... when someone enters the mic booth... i just want him to sing so i will take some levels before i record.... so any tip for playback and hear the microphone too without recording ?

question 2)
sometimes my loop stops working.. i just select an area and it doesnt loop.. it stops.. and i see some orange color markers style thing.... i dont understand why this stuff happens ? so i have to close the session then reopen it and then select a loop for loop it all over and it loops, BUT if i click on a waveform and press play.. i dont know if it loops it.. some stuff like this anyway. any tips? what do i need to click.. for just have my loop working fine again ? (i could find that if i searched.. i guess.. but i just didnt searched yet so i just thought to ask)

i use digi 003 factory and pt 8 cs3

thanks all for ur replies
peace