Why does the appstore keeps asking for apple ID password before I can download free updates, and it doesnt work, it just keeps taking the password, a moment passes, and then it asks for the apple ID password again, and the update is never downloaded?

I have the same problem. I need to update Numbers, Pages and Keynote. I am working in Numbers and it says there is an update. I am signed in as Admin. I have entered my Apple ID and password and verified it. It is annoying that the login information isn't kept so I don't need to do it every time. But I have tried several times, entered my Apple ID login info several times and the Download status just spins and spins.

If the download problem is related to the Mac ID, I was logged in as Admin when I upgraded the OS to Yosemite. Numbers, Pages and Keynote came with the OS. How do I find out what the Mac ID is that is associated to these apps if it isn't me, the Admin?

It would be very helpful if there was some feedback in the AppStore to let you know why the downloads aren't working.

Apps are locked to the ID that initially purchased them. YO have to log into that ID to update them

It appears that at least one of the apps yo are updated was purchased with a different ID.

Try update the apps one at a time to find the app(s) purchased with a different ID.

Have you tried recovering use of the original ID?

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support

that's what I've had to do. it took a bit of time, but once I deleted and reinstalled everything worked just fine.