Q: keyboard access queries

OK, just got a refurb-ed 2012 mini with Mavericks and have 2 questions:

1. despite having Ctl-F2 active I cant use it to hop up to the Apple menu. Why? I've had a mini since '06 and know where to check in Snow Leopard when my cat [or me] have accidently turned the shortcut off. I've looked and cant see anything wrong.

2. What is the Apple symbol called if I end up having to define a shortcut up onto the menu bar?

Hope someone can shed light on things for me.

Helen