Login issues following updates from Update Mgr.

Following a run of Update Manager (with only Recommended updates listed and installed), I am no longer automatically logged in on boot up. When I go to "Login Screen Settings", the whole window is gray'd out, and the Unlock button is highlighted and clickable, but apparently nonfunctional; only the Close button seems to work. When I try to go to User Settings > Change User Password, the entire window looks active, but does not accept a mouse click in the "Don't ask for password at login" checkbox. Since I am not concerned about unauthorized access on this machine, it's just less cumbersome to log straight into my account.

I don't know if this is a big deal or not. While it's not much more than an inconvenience to have to login, I am more concerned with the loss of system control and am wondering what other areas are no longer available to me. Any help/suggestions you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Marsd