Why is this environment texture image showing only a solid color in the 3D view, using Cycles? I'm having a problem rendering the environment map. I downloaded a sample project that has the same settings as my project but it renders without a problem. I tried using both a .hdr and .png image. Attached are screenshots with node settings. First is the incorrect render and 2nd image is the project the renders correctly. How do I go about fixing this?
That is because you are in orthographic view mode, toggle back to perspective mode with Numpad 5.  Unless your camera is also set to orthographic you should always see the environment in camera view and your render.