http://gyazo.com/0a2685b41b0a89a94469f7d5e4241a9d
This is what happens when I press 3 on my keyboard and then use crease tool to harden the edges I aswell have the 2 boxes checked on the side "Propagate edge hardness and propagate uv corners" and they wont take the shadows away like they are supposed to. It worked before reinstalling maya.
It still isn't working and I didn't even use normals, heck I don't know what that does but it's supposed to remove the shadows when I press "Propagate Edge Hardness" but it's not I just restored my pc to factory settings a few days ago (Computer Issues) and I reinstalled Maya 2015 and it didn't take the black shadowy effect when I press "Propagate Edge Hardness", so if anyone can help me that would be great. Also I have been trying for HOURS to find a solution and nothing. So please someone help me.
This may be some consolation (not a solution, apologies!) but I think this is just how it looks in the editor window - if you hit render, the shadows will not be there and the edges will be nice and sharp.