InCopy Text Linked to InDesign File Doesn't Display in Layout

Our designer created a magazine layout, linked the design to the text to make it possible for me to "check out" and edit. When I open the file, I see all kinds of alert icons. Strangely, the layout shows me text in columns that have not been linked but is blank in stories that have been linked. I deleted all fonts and reinstalled them and relaunched Creative Cloud Suite. It didn't work. My editor colleague down the hall is able to open this file, see the text, check it out to edit and check it back in. I cannot.