Saga Lout :
Safe Mode is different in Windows 8 and you'll be lucky to get in with Shift F8 if you're very quick on startup. Personally, I've not managed it yet.
I have gotten it once or twice.
If it is a OEM, or you set it up like a OEM does, and uses UEFI with Secure Boot, you can't get into the BIOS even using the Shift + F8 method as the Windows Boot Manager takes over the system and handles POST for it. It also does not allow any unsigned drivers to load or DVDs to load either.
The only way around is if the hardware dev put in a special switch, like on some higher end Asus boards that have a button that let's it boot directly to BIOS, or by getting into Windows 8 and telling it to reboot to the Advanced Startup Menu.
The other way, which is hard, is to keep making it turn off when trying to load 8 so it tried to do a system repair and then you can also access the Advanced Startup menu.
It is annoying but I understand the purpose as it secures the system from some of the worst viruses that load during boot.