database problem. any ideas?

after *trying literally eveything* I’ve now determined the problem is with the DB, but I have no clue how to fix it. heres what’s going on:

1) On a fresh install I CAN turn on and use the rich editor no problem. I update the DB and I can’t anymore.

2) Just like #1 without the DB I need I can add images by uploading then clicking on the image and inserting the code into the editor. With the DB installed, I can do that EXCEPT the code is missing the closing </a>.

Any ideas what going on here and more importantly how I can fix it? I’ve been struggling for DAYS now, I really need to fix this. TIA!