@brutus , Bruce, Try a soft reset as a first option. Press and hold the power button for 20+ seconds if this does not correct, a factory reset may be required.

Trouble shooting forum 1st link below with info, about your issue. Link #2 is step by step guide telling how to reset your Kindle to factory settings and how to save info. for reloading. Good luck.

I hope this helped you out, if so let me know by pressing the helpful button.

https://www.amazon.com/forum/kindle?cdFo...

http://www.wikihow.com/Reset-a-Kindle