ASP.NET ISSUE

I am a VB6 programmer trying out asp.net 2.0. My scenario is this... I have a working web site using asp.net 2.0 master pages / content pages. I want my master page to query my database for, let's say, a background color and a text color. I want these values to be read from an Access97 database and loaded into a property in the master page. I want to access this property from the content page to use as color criteria. My problem is that I have the data being read from the database and being loaded into the property on the master page. When I try to access the property between the <script runat="server"></script> tags (like MYVARIABLE = [login to view URL]) the property has no value. When I access it between the <div></div> tags like <% [login to view URL]([login to view URL]) %> it works just fine. I need to be able to use it in a subroutine that is building a string of html to display between the <div></div> tags. I'm sure this is very simple, but I can't seem to find my way through. I would appreciate any help. Keep in mind...I don't need the site written, only the process explained so that I can continue on my site. ## Deliverables 1) Complete and fully-functional working program(s) in executable form as well as complete source code of all work done. 2) Deliverables must be in ready-to-run condition, as follows (depending on the nature of the deliverables): a) For web sites or other server-side deliverables intended to only ever exist in one place in the Buyer's environment--Deliverables must be installed by the Seller in ready-to-run condition in the Buyer's environment. b) For all others including desktop software or software the buyer intends to distribute: A software installation package that will install the software in ready-to-run condition on the platform(s) specified in this bid request. 3) All deliverables will be considered "work made for hire" under U.S. Copyright law. Buyer will receive exclusive and complete copyrights to all work purchased. (No GPL, GNU, 3rd party components, etc. unless all copyright ramifications are explained AND AGREED TO by the buyer on the site per the coder's Seller Legal Agreement). ## Platform asp.net 2.0 using MS Access 97 database