I have been trying, unsuccessfully, to communicate with spirit guides.  I've tried meditating, but end up falling asleep with no recollection of any dreams I may have had.  I get a "sense" something is there and I've had the image of an Egyptian woman in a red dress.  I feel this is important to do...I feel something/one is really trying to get my attention...hiding things that I use everyday...I'm still looking for something that was hidden a week and a half ago...another thing has been missing for a year...important things...
Its basically like something/one is screaming at me to get my attention...but I don't know how to say "hey, I get it...whats up?"

Meditation is an alert peaceful place.  Start by calming the body with deep breaths then see a flow of energy from the crown down through the whole body - you are a part of the flow throughout the meditation.  

Visualize a scene of peace (from nature) in your forehead.  When the mind wanders, and it will, blow a gentle breeze to remove the thoughts and then return your attention to your peace centre.  Stay there up to 20 minutes, no longer.  

After you are settled in your peace place and the energy changes (this is where your sensitivities can kick in) it is time to invite your guide with a symbol (from nature) and a seat.  Again the energy changes with the presence of your own personal guide.  It is an energy exercise after all.

No identification, names, dates, places is actually important to the exercise.  You are seeking a bond of energy to meet/greet on a constant basis by using the same symbol all the time.  Consistency and constancy are important to the exercise.  Random playing around with meditation will not get it done.

Read some of the notes in the Mediumship Development under Mystic Academy for some hints to your own development.