Photoshop, flash, fireworks, mattes in image effects graphics (Need quick advice)

[Rhyme]

i can help if you download gimp.

Open the image (raw, gimp cant load psd)
Go to layer --> transparency --> add alpha channel
Go to the toolbox and click the hand with B/G/R (should be top row)
go back to the sprite, click the background color
click "del" on your keyboard
save as png or gif.
open in photoshop, and it should still be transparent. if not look around in gimp and see if you can find the effect you want.