Trying to access backup files.

Running on Mac OS X 10.10.5. “Always backup” is checked in preferences. The backup folder only contains 3 recent files, none of which I can access. Only just discovered this feature and was hoping to be able to save different versions of files, is this right? N.B. I can use a computer but not good at problem solving, so simple English if possible!

That option it’s not for manage versions.
You can find more help about it Saving Documents Automatically - LibreOffice Help

The option to keep versions is in Menu/File/Versions, available after the first save.

See also a detailed explanation with examples in the FAQ

Regards

I can see ‘versions’ in the ‘File’ menu but it is faded out and not available.