1) Go to
user control panel
2) Then to
edit options
In the second box, titled "Messaging & Notification" you should have the box "Enable Private Messaging" marked, and if you want the notification via e-mail or pop-up window, check those also.
Hit save changes before you leave that page, and then I would check and make sure all the messages are clear.
If you still have problems, it could be something unrelated to WS settings. I cannot be sure what it would be, but sometimes other things I used to use interferred with options on the forums I post on for the missing.
I would run your protection programs and make sure nothing is amiss on the pc, and then possibly change the settings in the User cp, and then change them back (reset fields), just to see if it starts working.
Sorry to hear it's boogerin' on ya, messie.
Much love in Christ, Lanie