Help with keyboard shortcuts - selection filter

Hi,

I am pressing control over the selection filter boxes and they turn off. When I try to select one, it flickers on and turns off as soon as I release my mouse. what is the correct button to get it to STAY CHECKED?

INADVERTENTLY IT WORKED WHEN I SWITCHED WINDOWS TO TYPE THIS POST BUT I CANT REPLICATE IT

You seemingly have to click at the EXACT RIGHT PIXEL in the check box for it to work