why can i only do autosaves? i cant create a named save

Which game? What have you tried doing? What is happening when you do?

homm3. just trying to create a save before going to battle incase i lose. when i try and and create a save nothing happens. it doesnt open up to where i can type a name

Strange. Are you getting to the save screen? (see screenshot)
If you're getting to the save screen, then you should be able to use backspace to remove the default name (ex. NEWGAME) and then just type to input the name you want to use for the save file. Then click the Save button.

What OS are you using? If Windows, where did you install the game (for example, in Program Files, or something like "C:/Games/HoMM3")? Are you using GOG Galaxy or the stand-alone installer?

thank you, i'm a blithering idiot. backspace for the win. i was trying to hover cursor over savegame.