TIps for photographing gear for ads?

Try bounce light off the wall or ceiling. I would usually shoot on tripod without the flash.
There is always photoshop 8
Add soft filter to the background to make the item more standout.
Aside from that, you can also add "fill lights" in the digital dark room.

Since you're a novice, close ups and cropping the image might be your best bet.

I have used a small peice of paper to diffuse the flash, my camera wont take pics without the flash so I simply keep the flash from getting in the way, I know it sounds kinda cheesy but it works

Look at other ads that are attractive, try to do the same.

Here is what I do.
(1)Outdoors, slightly overcast(no shadows but brite)The white cardboard trick, reflecting the light will make your pics a touch better than the others.
(2)Tripod with hands off timer.
(3)Neutral background(not black or white)
(4)Keep background clutter to minimum.
(5)Crop, adjust brightness, correct tint(saturation), sharpen, size for internet(about 440px wide)