I don't have some tools active such

Do you mean many of the Image > Adjustments commands such as Color Balance are not available? If so, tell us about the type of document it is. In my example in the picture below, the reason adjustments such as Color Balance cannot be used is that the document tab says it’s set to Gray mode (Image > Mode > Grayscale). If I want to use the color commands, I must convert the document to one of the color modes on the Image > Mode submenu, such as RGB Color.

What does your document tab say?

Could you provide a screenshot to clarify the issue? If you're referring to a lack of color in Photoshop, it might be a specific command or feature you're looking for. Are you perhaps thinking of a different program, or is there a technical term you're uncertain about?

Have you expanded the panels by clicking on the Disclosure triangle 'arrows'?

Please include the following in your question:
Adobe product and Version number.
A Screenshot of the info panel from MENU: Help/System Info...
Operating system and Version number
Screenshots of the problem.