Show the info to update depending on the selection

Hi, I have a page that is intendend to update a table field on DB i have a drop down menu wich displays all the position fields available on db and a text area where i will insert the new data. now the problem: I'm using the query SELECT * FROM table WHERE position = $position the $position is the choosen option from the drop down menu. then have echo "<textarea>$functions</textarea>" where it will show to me the present data available on DB after all this, i have another query UPDATE table SET functions = $functions WHERE position = $position All is ok and working except the fact that he doesn't displays $functions when selecting a option from the drop down menu? Any help out there? Miguel