Thanks for your response Xennex1170!
The model is Kobo touch (brand new today - I won it!) and it is version 1.9.12.
All the software was downloaded today so I would expect that it is up-to-date?
I really wish I could get it to swipe cause I don't like the flicker as the page changes...
ps I've reset it and still will not swipe - not even in manual that comes with the Kobo - is it possible I have a defective unit??
pps and I have tried swiping some of the preview books and it won't work there either