creating 3d rotating model

Hi all,

i am creating an inventory modeling program

what i would like to do is create a simple 3d rotatable model of the rack system and when the user selects a specific cell from the drop down box - the corresponding cell is highlighted - and the model is rotatable (along one axis would be sufficient)
the rack system has 3 cells high, two deep and consists of two rows - the first 96 cells and the 2nd 72 cells

the top view looks like

1   XX  XX
2   XX  XX
3   XX  XX
4   XX  XX
5   XX  XX
6   XX  XX
7   XX  XX
8   XX  XX
9   XX  XX
10 XX  XX
11 XX  XX
12 XX  
13 XX
14 XX
15 XX  XX
16 XX

The end view looks like
1 XX  XX
2 XX  XX
3 XX  XX

where each X is a cell

i've never done any graphics programming before so i really have no idea where to start so any and all help is appreciated!

tia!

J