Game Play controls disappear after Build mode.

Hi all! I've tried to have a search on the internet but no one seems to have the same issue. When I enter Build mode, place objects and exit to Live mode, all the control panels disappear and I cannot control anything/manually exit or save game, but the sims continue to move, how do I fix this? I have restarted laptop, updated game (although it is up to date) and 'repaired' game and nothing has worked, it has never happened before so I'm really stumped ☹️ I have cats and dogs and get together installed and nothing has ever gone wrong. Thanks!