I am using dreamweaver and I would like to place an actual table (with information and a border) within a slice i created which in turn i believe is a layout slice. Whenever i try and insert a table through dreamweaver, that area is always shaded out. Why doesnt my dreamweaver like tables?

Dreamweaver handles tables just fine.

Try changing your Table mode.

from Dreameaver Help:
Do one of the following:

• Click Exit in the bar labeled Layout Mode at the top of the Document window
• Select View > Table Mode > Standard Mode.
• In the Layout category of the Insert bar, click the Standard Mode button.