Logging Off

[Isti]

I am experiencing problems logging current users off of
Windows xp pro without having to use Task manager. How
can I fix this problem so that I can log off by going to
the start menu and selecting "log off (name of user)" and
then selecting "log off" [where the other option
is "switch user"]? Presently when I do try to log off
using the "log off" option nothing happens. It just
returns to the current desktop. Please list all possible
solutions.

Note: I have tried ending large processes in task
manager and it does not work.