can't access/ load "safe mode"

The instructions on my computer tell me to do the following (I'm running WinME):

To start Windows in safe mode

Click Start, and then click Shut Down.
Click Restart, click OK, and then press and hold the CTRL key until the Microsoft Windows Startup Menu appears.
On some computers, you can use F8 instead of CTRL to bring up the Microsoft Windows Startup Menu.

Enter the number for Safe mode, and then press ENTER.

Problem is that whether I hold down the CTRL key or F8, I always get a "keyboard error" message, and Windows goes on loading as usual. I've run out of ideas - can anyone help?
Thanks,
Rebecca

 

Try tapping the F8 key, not holding it down.

Bellow is for Win XP. Didn't see you are running Win ME

 

Thanks, LDTate!
Your msconfig hint triggered something in the recesses of my brain, and after a little bit more digging I managed to find the following instructions for WinME (which I am just posting for the sake of anyone else who might be looking here):

- Click Start, Run and type MSCONFIG in the box and click OK
- In the System Configuration Utility, on the General Tab, click the Advanced Button
- In the Advanced Troubleshooting Settings dialog box, check Enable Startup Menu. Click OK. Click OK again when the System Configuration Utility reappears.
- You will be prompted to restart the computer. Click Yes. The computer will restart in Safe mode.
- When you are finished with troubleshooting in Safe mode, open MSCONFIG again and uncheck "Enable Start-up Menu." under the Advanced Menu, then click OK and restart your computer.

But I'm going to try your tapping the F8 key suggestion next time I log on, too - can't have too many ways to access safe mode!

Thanks for your time/help,
Rebecca

 

On some computers "tapping" F5 works.