Does armor make you look any different in this game? Does some armor/gloves etc... give you stats?

It doesn't in the GC version. Only swords and shields change, really. The DS version - I have no idea

how do you equip armor in the gamecube version?

You select it and then select equip, all from your items screen. Your not using a cheat R U? Because sometimes with the AR codes you can't equip weapons and armor.

no, im not using a cheat. but the epuip items thing doesnt work. somehow, i was able to epuip bronze gloves though.

oh, it was a used game that i bought, maybe the previous owner cheated? how do i reset the cheat then?

Beans, lies and deceit. You'd have to be using a used memory card too, little slip up on your part, but don't try to cover it up. Just enjoy your AR.