im using a mac, if that might be important. I think it OSX?

Make sure that the function keys are not assigned to global functions in OS X keyboard preference (and that you don't need to press fn+f keys to get the fkey functions).

Try again in fullscreen and/or press the Fn key, additionally with the F2/F3 key.

okay, th fn key seems to have been the thing.

now a different problem

when i have pressed either F2 or F3 i get another set of choices. these are:

< F5 > : NO SOUND
< F6 > : PC BASE
< F7 > : ADLIB
< F8 > : MT32

it doesnt matteer which one i choose, all i get is a black screen...

if someone has an answer/idea and its even slightly technically based, please explain it to me since... well. lets say my knowledge has limits (<- had to google "fn key")

You say that you downloaded it... so it's not the original game?
It runs just fine for me on the PC. Perhaps the site from where you got it could help answer your question.

Abandonware not supported here.