Help with basic hook for my first module I am having problems with understanding if my hook is activating/running. I have watched and read many things about hooks but until I get something to work I am very confused.

I'm trying to use the hook here: 
http://api.drupalcommerce.org/api/Drupal%20Commerce/sites!all!modules!commerce!modules!checkout!commerce_checkout.api.php/function/hook_commerce_checkout_pane_info_alter/DC

/*  Hello World
*/
function commerce_admam_commerce_checkout_pane_info_alter(&amp;$checkout_pane) 
{
dpm("hi");
}


All I want to have happen on checkout is to see if that message shows up. I have tried other hooks as well. MY filename is commerce_admam.module and it's enabled in the backend. I can move the dpm() out of the hook and it fires off the message (everywhere though because its running it all the time)
dpm and dsm can be a little tricky in some hooks, and you may need to time a cache clear with a page reload to see them fire.

Better to use something like watchdog or actually alter the page content.

Your function looks good, so try this from the example module. More chance of seeing the effect:

function checkout_pane_example_commerce_checkout_pane_info_alter(&amp;$panes) {
  if (!empty($panes['cart_contents'])) {
    // Change the title of the "Cart Contents" pane.
    $panes['cart_contents']['title'] = t('Your big wonderful shopping cart brimming over with shopaholic nonsense');
  }
}