Edge Animate CC :: Validating Value From A Input Text Field

I'm new to the Edge Animate and I have been working on a project that requires text input. The code does not 'recognise' the value entered into the input field. The action is quite straight forward, Correct Answer (360) play label 02, Wrong Answer play label 03. Ideally I would like allow three attempts. 

var answer = sym.$("answer");
answer.html("Answer 1");
inputAnswer = $('<input />').attr({'type':'text', 'value':'', 'id':'answer'});
inputAnswer .css ('font-size', 14);
inputAnswer .css ('width', 150);
inputAnswer .css ('background-color','#ffffff');
inputAnswer .appendTo(answer);
[code]....