Hi Smithy50,
I struggled for quite a while before I got there.
I suppose your machine could use a different Baud rate.
When I was setting mine up I used windows 98 and a terminal programme to check the machine.
I found that you could send the G Code spindle on off codes to the machine M03 spindle on M05 spindle off.
I managed to find a few terminal programmes as freeware but the on that is in Windows is OK.
The beep on may machine seem to be connected to some form of safety circuit as it also beeps when you hit the emergency stop.
When you operate the ON/OFF switch the fan come on and some larger relays operate.
I used to live in West Yorkshire until they moved the boundary in the 70's Greater Manchester now.
Best of luck.