human vs computer

anyone else have trouble beating the computer? if so, why?

Hi tRuLyGiFtEd89--it depends which machine you're talking about, but technology in general has advanced to the point of playing extraordinarily strong chess.  In fact several computers on the machines-only rating list are over 3000, while the world's best humans have yet to reach 2900.  Keep in mind it's already been 17 years since an IBM computer defeated Kasparov, deemed one of the best human players of all time, and things have only advanced since then.

The computers on this site are weaker than Deep Blue of course, but they get progressively tougher and Impossible is not an easy challenge.  It calculates faster than any person ever could, it looks far ahead, and it has impeccable mastery of tactics.  Play slow games to allow yourself time to think, use unorthodox openings, and try for lengthy positional maneuvering.  You'll thwart it eventually.

I knew I wasn't crazy. computers are tough opponents in chess and I fancy myself a strong player. thanks for the tips though I'm pretty determined on beat this AI someday.

can consistent human vs computer chess games strengthen human chess play????

It definitely can.  Keep in mind what sets it apart from human play: mistakes tend to be consistent rather than influenced by time pressure, fatigue, or lack of knowledge.  Machines are very much victims of style because they're all designed with specific, unchanging flaws.  So it's not identical to playing a person, but getting stomped by a GM-strength program like Fritz or Chessmaster can only help.