Debian says "package not found" for EVERY apt-get

So, I put Debian on a VM. I made sure I was connected to the internet, and updated. I rebooted, and wanted a GUI. Every time I type this, I get E: Packages not found.

apt-get install aptitude tasksel

 tasksel install gnome-desktop --new-install

I know these commands are correct, as I have multiple links saying to type this.

https://superuser.com/questions/507241/how-to-install-gui-for-debian

http://www.debianhelp.co.uk/gui.htm

I don't know what is going on. Keep in mind, I am a newb to desktop Linux/GNU, but have some experience with Debian. But, I have no idea what is going on or how to fix it.

Did you install any repos?

Do you have internet connectivity inside your VM?

My guess is that you've not installed any repos though.

What does it say when you just enter

sudo apt-get install gnome-desktop

?

Check /etc/apt/sources.list and compare to this https://wiki.debian.org/SourcesList then double check internet connectivity and make sure DNS is working by pinging to a url like www.google.com

Have not installed repos.

Pinged Google to triple check connection. Have connection

It says E: Package not found. But it builds the dependency trees.

I'll just reinstall.

Edit: So... kind of an oops on my part. Turns out you can choose to install the GUI by default. Really showing my newbishness...

So after reinstall, I have a desktop. But still no apt-get commands work...

Did You Try Using sudo ? 

If you have access to a package manager inside gnome, install synaptic if not already installed. Then check to see that apt is installed.