can't add new contacts to address book, cant edit existing contacts to address book

When I open address book, there is message that this "address book shows contacts only after a search". Entering a name or email into search box does nothing. A list of contacts is displayed when I click the "write" button. If I click the new contact button, a dialog box pops up but after I enter the info and click o.k. nothing happens. If a contact gives me a new address, I can't edit the old address to their new address. Please help.