Mac OS X 10.6.8 Java not working? (Trying to play minecraft)

Apply the patch.

The Software update version is bonked, the latest bug fix is here

https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1573

Pasting: java -version into Terminal and pressing Enter should reveal this after the update which fixes the bug.

java version "1.6.0_51"

Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_51-b11-457-10M4509)

Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM (build 20.51-b01-457, mixed mode)

As X423424X suggested, Java might be disabled. Apple recently released a Java security update for 10.6.8 that disables Java. So, assuming your system is up to date with the latest security patches, you'll need to enable Java again.

ltaylor94 wrote:

I've checked this before, and they are both checked.

The only other thing I can think if is a Java version problem. Apple always tends to be behind when it comes to java. Hopefully that will change when oracle takes over handling java changes for apple. Of course that doesn't do you any good right now.

Rereading your original post you said you only "think it's a problem with my Java". So you aren't 100% sure it actually is java causing the problem.

If you are on a user account, get someone with administrator access to whitelist this websight:

https://s3.amazonaws.com

You would do this by going to:

System Settings> Parental Controls>

click the padlock to unlock this area (this is where administrator log in is required)
Click the user account that you wish to whitelist and then sellect the "web" tab

Here you might see a selected area like; "Try to limit access to adult websites automatically" and a "customize" button under it, or "Allow access to only these websites".
You can do two things from here, convince the admin you are an adult and ask they select "Allow unrestricted access to websites", or ask them to add the above website to the whitelist.

The white list under "Try to limit access to adult websites automatically" is found by clicking the "customize" button. Hit the "+" button under the top half section and paste the website I've provided there.

The white list under "Allow access to only these websites" is obviousely directly under it and you must click the "+" and then add the website I've provided there.

See if java is disabled. Launch Java Preferences (in Utilities), and in the General tab see if the two checkboxes are checked. If not check them or just click the Restore Defaults button.