Comment 25 for bug 218502

It solved for me too.

Instead to plain copy to the windows\fonts directory, is more convenient (safe) to install through:
Control panel->Fonts->File->Install new font

And select the folder with bitstream vera.

Now the dropdown list works, I can click on several font, it changes the face to this selected font,
but the dropdown list does not disappear. I need to hit either ENTER, or click on the dropdown flash again.

I tested with:
0.46 and
http://inkscape.modevia.com/win32/Inkscape19594-0808061640.7z
too.

Other workaround: use the font dialog in inkscape (the "T" button in the toolbar) it works like a charm.

system: windows xp sp2 and updates.