ALIGN TOOL - greyed out DISTRIBUTE SPACING measurement, key object not highlighting, etc

[Omega239411135yai]

I'm trying to use the align tool for text to distribute spacng vertically.

When I select the text and go to the align tool window, the option to enter the measurement for distribute spacing is shaded out. 

As well, the key object doesn't highlight or allow me to highlight.

Attempts to solve:

Opening and closing Illustrator.

Uninstalling and reinstalling.

Varying the order in which I highlight the text, open the align window, re-highlighting the text, etc.

This is insanely frustrating, and while I've found answers relating to Align Tool not working, including the measurement, none of them address this. The closest thing I found referred to the suggestions I've already tried.

Does anyone know what's going on? I was using it perfectlty yesterday with no problem! I closed illustrator and opened it this morning and now this!!

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

Align cannot work when the text is selected with the text tool. You need to select objects.

[Omega239411135yai]

Thank you! It's funny how the littlest thing can make ALL the difference.