Hi,

Sorry you are having difficulties with your device.  Actually, it does not sound like a device problem, rather than an account problem.  What I mean, is that it sounds like Verizon does not have SMS messaging activated on your account.  My suggestion would be to call *611 from your device and speak with Customer Service to verify your account.  If you had this problem with two different devices, then it is not the device, but a problem on Verizon's end with your account settings.  Good luck and I hope you get this resolved.

Doc