ok did that, still nothing.

could my problem just be something like i'm missing a dll or something to play the sound? in my searching through the forums i've found that playing mp3 files requires a plugin or something, do i need anything special for wav files?

Sorry, you have to place it within the while loop, because the engine has to control each frame whether you are hitting the key or not.
Put in the brackets of the if-condition the following to avoid that the sound will start several times while your finger is still on the key:

while(key_cud == 1) {wait(1);}

You still have to learn very much, you have to look into the manual again and again to get an idea how each detail is working.
And, study also the articles of the issues of the AUM Magazine.

i saw the code for the fighting game you posted and you are missing an " = " sing like

if (on_cul == 1){ " code to move left " then -= 1}
you just wrote the code with only a " - " sign...
i'm trying to get a tutorial for a fighting game too I just don't know how to code around but at least I know most of the sintax..