X, Logging Out, Rebooting, Shutting Down

[Aciel <aciel speakeasy net>]

System: RedHat 7.1, Linux 2.4.14, XFree86 4.01 (?), Asus A7M266, Athlon
1333/266. Latest version of GNOME.

In GNOME, when I press System, Log Out, and then choose Log Out, Reboot,
or Halt, and press Yes, the system begins to log out but then stops.
Buttons still respond but don't actually do anything; it's as if
nothing's been done, except it won't let me start anything else. Can't
open terminals, type in terminals, or make any changes to anything at
all (even something as simple as exiting a program). In fact, I can't
even get it to finish rebooting unless I ssh in from another machine and
use the reboot -t now command or shutdown -t now. If I reboot or shut
down from the terminal in GNOME it works fine--but if I use the menu,
it's no go. Any idea why?

Thanks,
Aciel
aciel speakeasy net
Darkchapter.net System Administrator