Microsoft Word Problems

I need some help with my Microsoft Word.  I’m running NT and since I got the computer (it’s been over a year) when ever I close word the formatting buttons disappear and leave “EZP” in their place and when I click the black arrow to bring them back only a handful are there and the rest are “EZP” how can I get the buttons that I use to stay when I close word and possibly get back the others?

I haven’t had time to really try to call in on it, and now I find that it didn’t matter if I had the time software isn’t covered anyway.  Now I really don’t have the time still, but I’m getting tired of working on my class papers and not being able to spell check or cut and paste.

Thanks