Eric said: "I just wanted to know if what I am experiencing was normal or
if the thing is supposed to boot up without a problem."

Officially released software not working is not normal.

Knoppix is supposed to boot up without a problem.

(Knoppix works for many, many people. I personally use Cool Linux and
Puget Sound Technology Live NetBSD CD instead.)

   Jeremy C. Reed
   http://bsd.reedmedia.net/