Yes, you can scuff sand veneer if you are cautious. Use extremely fine sandpaper, and try to remove as little material as possible so that you do not sand through the veneer. Easy does it.
Sounds like either your battery isn't charged, is dead, or not inside your laptop. For Windows: when your laptop is on, you'll see a battery icon in the tray. It'll...
The next safest surface would be a room with carpeted flooring. That way if you fall it won't hurt as much. Place pillows around you to soften any falls.
