I just performed a fresh install of Ubuntu 12.04.2 LTS without any issues. I updated the software, I installed the recommended proprietary drivers, installed any additional software that I wanted with no problems.

However, I can't seem to change any system settings, they don't stick. I can access system settings, I can click on each option, but when I select an option to change it doesn't take. 

For example if I click on Time and Date Settings and place a checkmark beside show weekday and date and month. It will place a checkmark beside those options but won't actually change in the menu. When I press the "X" to close out and go back into settings it's back to the default and the options I checked are unchecked.

Also happens with wallpaper, I can see all my wallpaper, but I select another wallpaper other than the default and it won't change. I turn on auto hide launcher and it doesn't auto hide. I change my shortcuts on the unity bar and when I restart my computer the settings don't stick they go back to the defaults.

Any idea what I can do to fix this or why it is happening. Other than that everything is working.

Edit, when I log out of my user account and into a guest session, I am able to adjust all system settings without issue. 

Thanks