Please help: can I edit/import AVI files into FCP5.1.4?

Hello everyone. I really need a lot of help this time.
I was given a lot of small .AVI files of a security style camera of a construction site and have to do a very fast time lapse to use later in another video. My FCP 5.1.4 lets me import the avi files, but when I play them back in the viewer the playhead moves but the screen is all black. Am I missing a plug in? I there a way to do this?
Any suggestions a VERY WELCOME.
Thanks a lot. best rgds, eric

Ignoring Final Cut for a minute, will any of them Open With QuickTime Pro? If they do, do an INFO (Apple-I) and find out what they really are. AVI is just the wrapper around the candy bar.

Koz