Can't change effects settings because they are changing/animating during playback

Well, you learn something new everyday. I was so confused because it just started happening. After testing on an older version of Audition, I realized it must be some keyframes that created using a keyboard shortcut accidentally. What is the keyboard shortcut for inserting an automation keyframe?

Anyway, I "fixed" this (though it was my perception that was broken) by expanding the track so that the "Show Envelopes" dropdown appeared, then I clicked Show Envelopes > Parametric Equalizer (Fig. 1), then made sure there was a checkmark next to all the effects with astrisks (*) next to them, e.g. EQ Band 4 Center Frequency *. That way I could now see what automation is actually taking place, then Select > Parametric Equalizer: EQ Band 4 Center Frequency (Fig. 2), then delete those keyframes, using the "Clear All Keyframes" eraser button (Fig. 3). See images below.

Thanks, @SteveG_AudioMasters_!

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

You have hidden all the track controls, but what it looks like is no more than just playing the automation. If you expand the track controls slightly you'll get the option to get the automation out of 'read' and into 'off'. If it stops when you do this, then you will have to expand out the track to show the automation and clear the bits you don't want. You may have to select the actual tracks you want from the list of what's available - what you want isn't necessarily going to be visible otherwise.