[LWJ]

What Steve said.

1) Check the voltage of the fixture. 120V? There are low voltage fixtures but I don't think that is one. (Check, however)
2) Check Specs on the dimmer. There are lots of different kinds. You need to match the voltage and the type to the fixture.
3) I forgot to tell you to turn off the breaker first, before you start poking around.
4) Even though you said you are not strong on this, if you are comfortable unhooking the fixture and dimmer you could bring them into a home improvement store to get a free opinion. For that matter, post info here and you might get a free electrician's opinion. Which I am not.

Good luck. Heat and electricity are usually bad.

Larry