Here's my model viewing code:
sync on
sync rate 30
hide mouse
autocam off
make matrix 1,1000,1000,5,5
load object "modelfile$/akiko.3ds", 1
position object 1,500,0,500
`scale object 1,1000,1000,1000
do
a#=wrapvalue(a#+mousemovex())
position camera 500+(sin(a#)*500),200,500+(cos(a#)*500)
point camera 500,0,500
sync
loop
Assuming you are loading the model from the right place, and that the model is scaled properly (remove the ` on the scale line to scale the object, and also change the values to see the effect) this should load a model and allow you to rotate round it using the mouse. Also the matrix provides a handy scale guide as well.
You don't need show object, when objects are first loaded they should be visible by default. Maybe you need some sync commands, to update the screen and see the model. Maybe you need to position the object and camera so you can see the object. Maybe you need to scale the object so it is big enough to be seen.
Once I was but the learner,
now, I am the Master.