mysql 'show databases' command not returning any database

I'm new to mysql and I just had it installed with windows XP.

After loging into mysql I type 'show databases' (based on tutorial) but all I get is the promt changed from:
'mysql>'
to:
' ->'
I think I have the right directory structures:
(bin, data and others after root)

I have not found any help on this regard on tutorials or forums.
Any sugestion on what I'm doing wrong?

oops! I was not ending my statement with a ';'

Hopefully this can help other newbies.