messaging

The little notification thing says I have two messages I check it and it says I have not messages selected but the notification for new messages is still there help!

I had a question to ask another writer but I can't seem to message them. I try typing their name out in the "Recipients" bar but their name doesn't seem to come up. Is there a setting to block messages(Understandable if so) or do you need to have enough time/level on your profile to message...