I have found two important things I have to do to start the engines.

When you first get into the B-52, pull the throttles all the way back. Hold F2 until they stop (I can get by with just tapping the F2 key to pull the throttle levers below 0%).
As I start each engine, I must move the throttle forward beyond the Stop position.

Here is the way I do it.

Starting engine #3 first (not sure if it is the correct checklist procedure).
I press the "E" key followed by the "3" key. Once it reaches 20% N2, I press F1 then F3. I really only need to tap both of those keys once. Once the engine is running I press F1 again to bring the throttle lever back to 0%.
I do this for engines #4, #2 & #1.

"E" key followed by "4" key for engine #4.
"E" key followed by "2" key for engine #2.
"E" key followed by "1" key for engine #1.

To get control of ALL the engines I press the "E" key followed by "1" "2" "3" "4" keys (in quick succession).

If you have a Yoke or Joystick with throttle reverser, I would think that you should be able start your engines easily.

I can start my engines first time very time using that method.

Mark