Some characters can't have certain skills. For example, the fighter, mercenary, assassin and gladiator can have no magic skills whatsoever, and no pure magic user can have a skill relating to an edged weapon or polearm. But everyone can use a bow at some level or other.There is a Library in the northern half of Sturmford, just west of the Jarl's Palace. You can buy books of skill there. (Enter the Library, save your game, and then ask the Librarian what she has. If she doesn't have what you want, reload and try again.) Don't try and learn a skill from a scroll, though. Those are only good for casting spells.
The ability to use ranged weapons is vital in all the Might & Magic games. The first thing an experienced MM player will try and do is to get bows and the bow skill for his whole party. You need to do something about that. If you haven't already done so, I recommend that you visit the Inn in Sturmford and talk to the people there. You should learn something to your advantage. 
Also, try exploring the well in the southern half of Sturmford - every little helps!
