I have had a similar issue on Gottliebs where it is the connector from the start button to the MPU that is not making good contact and then the start button does not work. I reseated that one and cleaned it up and it stopped the issue. I am not sure if this is it as I am unsure what the rest of the symptoms are.

The lack of free play on these games means double check that you have credits and everything mbaumle said!

Throw some quarters in it! With the coin door open you should see what switches the quarters operate. Once you get some understanding about them you could trigger that switch manually or with a jumper wire but I would just open the door and drop quarters in it.

Post some pics of the inside of the coin door if the quarters don’t work. The coin mechs may be removed and someone could probably point you to which switch to trigger.

I am pretty sure that Gottliebs can’t be set on free play so maybe that is it.