Why is I-Pad is not accepting date entered via typing?

I am setting up an I-Pad for a disabled friend. She received the I-Pad from another friend. All data had to be removed. I have completed the initial set-up; however, the device will now not allow me to enter data in search fields. I can't designate the e-mail account she uses. I can't enter the network password even though the device appears to have completed the initial "handshake" w/ the wireless ISP router. The device does not accept a URL even though the cursor is blinking in the field where the information is to be entered. I type but no characters appear in the field.

Also, there is a voice that I find annoying. The device calls out each keystroke; for, example, D David, S Sierra. Still, the character is not displayed on the screen. It is as if I'm in some sort of simulation.