'object reference not set to an instance of object'

i am doing some very basic programming. when i use the code:

private sub cmdCaps_Click(byval sender as sytem.object, byval e as system.eventargs) handles cmdCaps.click

me.hide()

form2.show()

end sub

i get the error 'object reference not set to an instance of object'

form1 and form2 both exist on the project. cant figure out this simple code wont work