My brakelights are out. is this a fuse problem

The fuse is the first thing to check. The brake lights will have a "hot at all times" fuse. Power there can be easily checked with a voltmeter or test light.
The brake light switch near the top of the brake pedal, will likewise have a hot wire to it ("hot at all times"). Pull the connector to the switch and check for power with a test light. From the switch, the signal goes straight to the bulbs. If you have power all along available and still no lights, the ground for the brake lights needs to be found and checked.