minecraft 1.4.5 freezes at its main-screen when started on hp-2133 running ubuntu version (Lucid Lynx) 10.04 LTS

ubuntu version (Lucid Lynx) 10.04 LTS running on an HP-2133 - minecraft will load up to the first screen e.g. "single player, multi player, options, quit game" are options on this screen; it seems that ubuntu won't recognize mouse clicks on minecraft's main screen; staying frozen as long as the PC is up and running. minecraft is version 1.4.5. i've tried every suggestion i could find; minecraft just stays at its main input screen; seemingly frozen. i don't know where else to go for help. i paid good money for months of aggravation; trying to get it working – i started with minecraft ver. 1.3.2

bill