When I type the password into the Linux terminal in a lab, nothing happens.

This is actually a common security feature in a Linux terminal, where no characters will show up as you are typing, not even dots like in other password boxes, but whatever you type will be registered. Understandably, this can feel a little strange as you would expect something to appear or the cursor to move, but as long as you type the password correctly, then hit enter, it will work for you.