The last time I tried to work with my PI I couldn't even get it to display on my "old" flatscreen tv. Worse, I could not access the directory to fix the configuration file on a windows pc lol.
Your post has given me an idea though, because I do have another laptop with a linux system on it now so I can now access the SD cards file system.
I know how frustrating the PI can be, but it's also very rewarding when you achieve the goal you set out to achieve. The amount of work and troubleshooting is pretty substantial sometimes. I wish you luck with your endeavor.