Describe the wireing in the switch box. What are the 3 switches for? Ceiling fans normaly have one or two wall switches to control the fan and the light. What is the third switch for?
Possible you have one cable (black and white) bring power to ceiling box, one cable (black and white) taking power to some where else and a three wire cable going to the switch box for control.
Your post indicate that you have electrical tape bundling wires together and not cables. Is your wiring in conduit.
You will have to do some testing to determine which wire(s) is hot. Do you have a meter?
Can you post a picture?.
All switches control fan and light. Can turn on and off from every switch.