Tube extensions

I am somewhat embarrassed to not know more than I do on these cameras and lenses. I bought a cheap tube extension set. All manual controls but I have a "shutter" in both my lenses that will not open using these. Am i just missing something or did I get some that will not work with my lenses???
Thanks guys, gals

Figured it out.. No manual aperture on my lens..

Yup. If you get the Ai or Nikon D lenses, you can control the aperture using the aperture ring.