Assuming that you are operating the Insert>Symbol command from the Word
toolbar, have you tried selecting the symbol in Character Map, then copy and
paste to your Word doc?
This will not solve your Word problem, but it may help you to get symbols
until you do.

Signature
Bob
*****
> For some reason I can only insert the symbol that's first
> in the symbol list. Word won't even allow me to select
> any other of the many symbols. The same is true for ANY
> font in the list. Help!!!
>
> Jeff