Trying to run a build, but can't get any roms to run. i7, gtx 950.

[lettice]

Can't get groovy mame to run any roms. Started with i7, 1GB SSD, 16 GB RAM, NVDA GTX 950 PC with its monitor. Used Balena to create a groovy arcade USB install disk. Installed groovy arcade and groovy Mame.  Found ROMS version 0.284. Double checked the correct ROM path for groovy Mame. No ROMS would run. Updated groovy Mame from 0.277 to 0.283. Updated the OS from the menu. Tried 0.284, 0.282, and 0.281 ROMS and none of them would run. Now even the desktop component of the groovy arcade won't start. Is there a path to victory? I'm trying to install groovy arcade, groovy Mame, test ROMs on the monitor, then take this setup and put it into an arcade cabinet with (what I think is) a Wells Gardner 92000 CRT.
Trying to figure out what's best for running this setup. What's the best OS : Linux(Ubuntu), groovy arcade, or windows? What's the best emulator: Mame vs groovy Mame? What's the best front end software?