Hi, I just added a countdown so the instructions are fresh in my mind. Perhaps I can help you too.
Okay, as the other poster said, click on someones countdown ticker to get to the site.
Step 1, choose a background.
Step 2, chooses a slider
Step 3, add text
Step 4 click on 'create'
On the next screen you will be shown various different codes.
Pic the second one, called PseudoHTML, UBBCode or BBCode
Copy it.
Then go to your user control area here on the DIS. If you don't know where that is, scroll to the top of this page look on the left side. In the dark blue strip, on the far left, the first choice is 'user CP' Click it,
Then 'settings and options' then 'edit signature'.
Then paste your code in to the box and add your ticker. Voila! You should then be the proud owner of a shiny new count down ticker. I hope these instructions work for you.