Do you try to select the hard drive icon by moving the pointer towards it and selecting it?
Can you select it with the Tab key?
This website shows the variety of startup screens that are possible, which may help you:
https://www.computerhardwareinc.com/2021/01/05/m1-based-macs-have-new-startup-modes-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
If you post an image, perhaps we can tell why it isn't working:
How to post an image in Apple Support Com… - Apple Community
If you get a "remote management" label under a gear, the computer is controled through a license with a school or business, and that school or business needs to remove that license attachment to the serial number.