help with linux

i just installed linux mandrake 2.8 like 4 times last night thinking the way i installed it makes the problem but i still have the same problem. when i start up it says you can press 'I' for an interactive start up but that never works and when it starts a non-interactive startup i typed in my user name and password even though it looks like it logged me in it just stayed there and doesn't do anything. am i doing something wrong? do i have to enter another command?

I had the same problem with 8.1.  ended up being my screen resolution was incorrect and x-windows couldn't load.  It's a complete pain but generally try a lower resolution and color depth selection when setting up during install.  You made need to do a custom install for these options.

2.8... ergg, not too old m8

you sure you didn't mean 8.2?

ive installed it tons of times myself (i dont keep it on for long as i always have a problem, atm its gfx) with no problems like that