Ok, so:
1. You can load a program. Does this mean that the FW isn't fuzzy?
2. Does the program respond to buttons?
3. Does it make noise?
4. What FW do you have? (Original FW will show a GP32 logo and make a noise when starting, so will EuroFW, but EuroFW doesn't have built in MP3. MultiFW will show a black & white menu when starting up holding select. Anything else, you can assume that it's Aquafish, unless you've flashed it.)
5. Where did you get it?
6. Does everything mess up? Try everything you can DL on it.