It is very easy to figure out if your instrument is sample based or not, let me help you out:
This instrument (called Drumkit) contains samples in the below sample-frame you can see 3 slots filled in (ACBD1, ACSD4, ACRIMS):
So now you have an instrument based upon internally loaded samples, in this case the “sample based only” effect commands apply.
If you have a VST instrument, there are no samples listed in the below sample frame:
In this case the internal sample specific effects won’t work out.
Any VST instrument can be (de)selected in the VST instrument panel:
You can have combined instruments:sample related and vsti (and midi as well), just remember that certain effects still only apply to the samples and nothing else. (neither MIDI).