so your r4i gold 3ds card is this one http://www.dsflashcart.com/r4i-gold-3ds-wood-r4i-3ds-flashcard-for-ds-dsi-3ds-p-248.html check the guide here http://www.dsflashcart.com/blog/how-to-use-r4i-gold-3ds-rts-card-step-by-step/ and another, you need to know this card can not play 3ds games, only play ds games. this card can play 3ds games, http://www.dsflashcart.com/r4i-gold-3ds-deluxe-edition-play-3ds-games-on-3ds-xl-and-3ds-p-286.html but only working on 3ds V4.1 to V4.5
Check the r4i gold 3ds you received is this one : http://www.modchipwarehouse.com/r4i-gold-3ds-flashcart-for-3ds-xl-3ds-dsi-ds-lite-p-1.html ,then format your micro sd card, then check whether you have download right kernel firmware,you need download the latest firmware v1.64 from r4ids.cn, then unzip it,open the folder and copy the root files into your micro sd card.pls give it a shot first.
You can try to format your Micro SD card first or try a new Micro SD card and then down load the latest firmware.
if your card still doesn't work after you download the newest kernel and patch. you may need to buy a new one.