Folders on servers tip instead of opening.

This problem just started. Expample: in a page layout program i.e. quark/indesign when i go to place or get picture the default location goes to my user documents folder even though under FINDER>pref. i have it set to a server. also when trying to place a pic i navigate out to the server i can only use colum view, when i am in list view and double click on a folder it only tips the folder and i can't seem to get inside of it. any help would be appreciated ...