Can't check for updates manually. and search screen sometimes blank

Hi...

Two oddities

Windows 8.1 pro with Media Center, Start8 1.31

1. I go to Configure Start8>About >Check for update. The box turns black and nothing happens. The configuration menu freezes. Automatically check for updates is now checked, but this problem exists even if I uncheck it.

2. When I type into the search bar, I often see nothing at the top of the space above where I usually see possible program names. The program whose name I typed in doesn't get launched

Any thoughts?