issue: couldnt get to the bootloader
solution: rtfm
You might need to wait a few seconds before pressing the keys, to give your Mac more time to recognize the keyboard as it starts up. Some keyboards have a light that flashes briefly at startup, indicating that the keyboard is recognized and ready for use.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/102603
they don't let you hold the key immediately (thankfully i have a gamer keyboard so it just lights up when recognized)