The icons are unusable simply because the window containing them (the tool pallet) will not expand to allow them to be seen. The blur, smudge, and clone stamp (the most important) are hidden.
what can I do? I've uninstalled and installed lots of times- tried different versions and every time I open it up to see, it is the same. I've changed nothing on the computer. I've updated my drivers. This is crazy!
EDIT: I just saw that I could post a photo- so here is what I mean:

See that the "text" is also hidden up top. There is no way I can drag and expand the tool box, or in any way "un-cover" the icons.