the shape isn't a different color... it's a different shade. And depending on what type of screen you have, that shade may not be displayed any different from the main shade.
i don't remember this having a timer when it was on MSN games or Bigfishgames. The timer is way to fast. You should get time back when you make combos.
needs more practice songs before you get to "tricky" and "complex". I have good hand/eye coordination, but typing numbers and arrows at the same time while dealing with lag... it is a pain in the booty.