Good afternoon.
I did not know about the settings--sound--buttons on/off. The button was enabled to turn the valume up and down with the exterior buttons.
The problem was not with the Ipad---is is working very nicely.
The problem was with the Otter Box Pro Defender. The on/off button is larger than the Otter Box was made for. It would more than randomly puch against the Ipad button, thus keeping the unit from operating as is should.
I altered the case of the Otter Box and placed it back onto the IPad.
Everything seems to be working.
I appologize for not looking further before contacting Apple. I have Apple phones and I-pads for many years. This is the first time I have contacted the support group. I will say is is very refreshing to receive a reply as rapid as I did.
Thank you