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The first thing to do when diagnosing problems is select the layers that are giving you problems and press the U key twice to reveal all modified properties. In you case do this with the 3D layers and the lights. Shadows are only cast on 3D layers so you'll need at least 3 layers to see the shadow. Here are the basic settings to get a shadow to show up:
To get the material options to show up for a layer or the light options to show up for a light press the a key twice.
Here is what happens when light and material options (aa) are set to the default values:
No Shadows. Personally I think the default setting should be to cast shadows and accept shadows because that is the way I work. Fortunately AE should remember the last settings you used with you created a 3D layer or light.
Beware that you can also get into trouble if you have the fall off distance set incorrectly.
When I point the light to the text, it doesn't cast anything, even with cast shadows switched on.
make sure you have Cast shadow on the light settings and on the layer materials options.
also, as Rick suggested, try resetting your light settings by typing UU and right clicking ->reset on the parameters to make sure you are starting at the default values. (leave Cast shadows which is not the default)
another thing that could be the cause is the draft 3d switch. make sure it's off
it disables lights, shadows and DOF.
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