outlook 2019 basic text functions grayed out / disabled

[cebuhasher]

all of the functions under the basic text on the ribbon are grayed out / disabled. this creates two problems, first you cant change the font size, color, etc on the ribbon and second when replying the font is still black/automatic. which makes it hard to distinguish the reply from the original message.

i have been trying to figure out how to change the font color in a reply. i went to options/mail/stationary and selected pick a new color when replying and it set it to the default blue color. but it is not taking. there is no change in color.