Trouble Writing to options.php via Admin-Settings-General Options

I am having some curious problems within my admin panel. Right now I am unable to update options via the admin panel. This particular instance I am trying to deselect the box that requires users to register in order to comment. When I try to deselect and update I get this error: Your attempt to edit your settings has failed..

Now, I am not sure why but over night two settings changes in my WP admin. The box to allow comments was not selected and then the box to require users to register was selected. I did not touch these settings.

Just in case I deactivated some plugins to see if it would help but saw no change.

Also, I have had images poof from my uploads folder just today but that is another issue. heh heh

Aside: I am currently with Ipower and they said they could duplicate the problem and suggested I contact WordPress so here I am. However, I am really thinking I should switch from Ipower to some other host.

Any ideas?