Defaults in SE

Hey all, I'm trying to create/alter tables so that certain columns will have default values. It takes the changes and everything, and looks like it should work...but the defaults are never used! Ex: have a column of char(10) with a default of user of column of date with default today none of the defaults work. I've tried other constraints (ie - keys, or checks...) and they all work. But not defaults. For reference, I'm using Informix SE 7.10 and SQL 6.01. I've also tried SQL 4.00 (w/ comparible SE) and it still didn't work. I find it hard to believe that Informix has never had defaults working....what's wrong?! thanks, ed --