Problems with Space Wars and MAME32p

[ski-man]

I've searched the forums and couldn't find anything like my issue, so I'm posting this topic:

Whenever I've tried to launch Space Wars in the past with versions of MAME32 (or MAME32p); both on my cab, or on different pc's, it would just lock-up within a second.     I just figured it didn't work, and moved on to other games.
However, I've seen numerous posts about people actually playing Space Wars with no issues, so I decided to investigate further, since I really like this game.

After I launch Space Wars, if I hit the coin button within that first second, the lock-up is avoided and the game starts.  However, about another second or two after that the ships stop moving....sort off.    I can still control the player 1 ship, but there is no gravitational pull!?!?!?  When i release the thrust button, the ship simply stops!

Anybody else experience this, and/or have a fix?      I would greatly appreciate any assistance.
Thanks!

[mtn]

After inserting coin which buys time for two players you need to hit a number from one to nine on the numeric keypad. Your options on the keypad will be beginner, 0, 1 and 2, on these settings the ship does not coast when thrust is releasted. Intermediate setting are 2, 3 and 4, on these settings the ship coasts. Expert settings are 6, 7, 8 and 9, good luck, I forget what they do, I think ship damage. While playing, modifications can be made by hitting the numeric keyppad again. Number one = objects won't leave screen. Two = manuever beyond screen. 3=invisible sun. 4=negative gravity. 5=no gravity. Hope this works for you, this is one of my favorite arcade games from back in the day.

[ski-man]

Awesome!   I can now finally enjoying one of my all time favs; as I remebered playing it as a kid.    That problem had been bugging me for sometime now, and no amount of key hitting seemed to solve things.

Thanks mtn for clarifying things!
Much appreciated!