Fluorescent light fixture malfunction
Yes, the fixture is stuck in start mode.  It's preheating both ends, but it's not striking.  

If it has a starter, replace it.  However, if it doesn't, or if the starter doesn't fix it, it's the ballast (the bulky part which limits the current passing through the fluorescent bulb).

If you're at the point of replacing the ballast, the replacement ballast might be wired differently - keep close eye on the diagram.  Also, the new ballast would almost assuredly not use a starter. 

Another option, instead of replacing starter or ballast, is to rewire for a direct-wire LED "tube".  Don't use a plug-and-play LED because that depends on the ballast/starter working, and yours doesn't.