Issues with Cortana and Search bar overall

For one thing, it will not let me uncheck show search box. It simply won't let me do it.

For another thing, I can't hear Cortana. Then, when I type something into the box with Cortana on, I can't get any results. I can't search my computer if Cortana is running. The only way to find files on my computer is to use the "Search Windows" box (that I can't uncheck to hide as noted) after turning Cortana off and restarting my computer.

So for now Cortana is next to useless for me.