@Annette,
It sounds like you might be having some permissions issue on your computer, or there might be permission restrictions associated with the file you are working on.
- Select the .indd file that is having issues
- In the Finder, choose File > Get Info
- Click the triangle to the left of Sharing & permissions at the bottom of the Info panel to see the permissions for your file.
- Make changes if needed, or ask the owner of the file to make changes.
Always make sure that you have made a proper back-up before running system checks and fixes.
- Restart your Mac
- In the Finder, choose Go > Utilities
- Double-click the Disk Utility.app file
- Select your Hard Drive in the list on the left, and choose Verify Permissions
- If errors pop-up, then choose Repair Permissions.
Fingers crossed this will resolve the issue.
Cari