I'm playing bubble bobble in japanese since the game rox

I've got 2 problems I hope you guys can help me with.

1: I can't make much of the menu's, maybe thats the reason I can't get the single pack multiplayer mode to work. It should be the 2nd option in the menu since the 2nd gameboy makes a sound and gets a red box in it's display. But nothing happens after that. Someone can enlighten me?

2: the save option seems very buggy. Eurasia's nfo says it's been prepatched but EVERY game saves ok on my 256mbit visoly flashcard but not this game. Sometimes you lose a few levels, sometimes it saves. Most times it's just not reliable. It there a fix for this?

And btw, does anyone know IF and maybe even WHEN the bubbob series will be released in the USA of in Europe? Thanks in advance!