Q: I have been working as user and as root, without a password. I've inserted a password (logged as root) in the control panel, one for root and a different one for client, and now it won't accept my new password or anything at all, I cannot get logged in.
A: You can specify, at the LILO prompt, to boot into 'linux single' and this will get you logged into the computer. You can then edit the /etc/shadow file, and remove your password. Please read the man page for 'passwd' BEFORE editing the file, as a wrong move can completely hose the system.
Then, reboot, log in as root, with no password, and then use the command 'passwd' to change it.