If this had been working properly, try deleting the Preferences before you do anything more drastic.
On Windows with PSE 3.0, use the Editor icon, otherwise the standard start up icon. With Elements closed, click on the start up icon and then make a QUICK grab for Control, Alt, and Shift keys. Hold all three down until you get a screen asking if you want to delete Settings. Say Yes. A new preference folder will rebuild as Elements continues to launch. If you don’t get that screen, you weren’t fast enough on the keys and may have to put your fingers on them before hitting the start up icon.
If you’re on a Mac, all instructions are essentially the same, except you’d use the Command, Option/Alt, and Shift keys.
