Don,
RProfer has hit the mark. You can even test that by wiggling the control lever with the key "On". If you hear the starter (the engine will probably start if it is as quick to respond as mine) you know that is the problem.
One can disable that interlock, but at significant hazard. We were nearly hit by a Donzi once when the engine started at full throttle with full port rudder and it came charging at us. It had just been floated off the trailer and tied alongside a pier before the incident. The operator did retain enough presence of mind to turn off the key he was still holding, got the boat out of gear, and promptly put it back on the trailer. He did destroy our anchor buoy and, aside from grappling for the trip-line, we did OK. But my lungs hurt for a couple hours from the extremely deep breath I took as the Donzi came at us!
Another tip, though. Anyone in the entire Internet Universe can see your e-mail address in a post here. It could lead to lots of junk mail, or worse. To limit that risk go to User Control Panel > Board Preferences and activate the items you want permitted. Then mention that you would appreciate a PM or e-mail in your post. Folks will contact you with less public disclosure. (I think you can probably edit that message even now to remove the address if you want to.)