authorize device option not highlighted

Digital editions no longer allows me to authorize my ebook (when I click on the gear logo next to "device", everything is in light grey). This is not a new device, it is on the list of supported ebooks and it worked up until a few weeks ago (but out of the blue my authorization stopped working so I've had to uninstall and reinstall the software).  I have managed to get digital editions working again but I am unable to get it to allow me to authorize my ebook. 

What I have done so far:

- uninstalled and re-installed digital editions (several times)

- factory re-set my ereader (several times)

- tried using a different ebook - the problem persists

- tried on another computer - did not resolve the issue

- physically deleted adobe digital editions from my ereader, factory reset the ereader, and uninstalled/reinstalled digital editions

- I also deleted the adept key from my computer

I have had never ending issues with my digital edition authorization for a while now and I've been able to trouble shoot them looking at various forums but I've reached the limit of what I can do. I've looked at forums, can't find anything helpful. Any ideas?

Thanks