code not working?

im in gamemaker studio and my character movement code not working it does not move

var l = keyboard_check(ord("A"));
var r = keyboard_check(ord("D"));
var u = keyboard_check_direct(vk_space);

if (l) {
	x -= 5;
}

if (r) {
	x += 5;
}

if (u) {
	y -= 5;
}