Sims 4 not following commands

Only just installed this, and an hour or two into the game my sim won`t follow commands.  They appear in the command list and dissapear straight away, there are also three cancelled commands (sleep and walk) that have a cross in them and won`t go from the list.  Now my sim won`t clean up the plates of food which he won`t eat.  Just stands there and only follows walk commands.  I can`t talk to other sims, nor use the phone to order a pizza or a maid.

I have looked on the forums and the web and have noticed that people have been having this problem way back in 2014 !!

I`m so glad I didn`t buy this, and have only downloaded it from origin access.  I would have wasted my money.

Any help really appreciated.