Problems when trying to make meringue?

Eggs arn't peaking! While that sounds weird, I put the cream of tartar and the eggs whites together in the mixer and that a foamy mixture that sort of held its peak when i took out the wisk. But then i added the sugar and its not making a stiff peak!! The recipe said beat it for '4 minutes or until..' But i've beat it now for 8 minutes and only got a flimsy peak that seemed a little to wet. Fist time making meringue and am not by far any thing close to an experienced baker. So PLS help or explain....something. XP Thanks.