Coupon entry not available in the cart

The ability for the user to enter a coupon code in the shopping cart is not available. Yes, I'm looking at the cart, not the checkout process. Under "What would you like to do next" the only option available is "estimate shipping." I have tried different browsers with the same result.

I have created a single coupon for free shipping, and it is enabled. There are no restrictions except date (use on the entire site, no restrictions on the number of times that it can be used). In Extensions | Order Totals, I have installed and enabled the coupon extension.

I'm on version 1.5.5.1 and don't have any special themes installed. Its a fairly plain vanilly site.

I see other threads where people have mentioned this problem, but a solution is never given. One assumes these people solved their problem, but how? Help urgently appreciated.

is the order total module enabled for coupons?

MarketInSG wrote:is the order total module enabled for coupons?

Yes, I had already done that. Doesn't seem to make any difference.

I'm back in the office now after my trade shows (for which I wanted to have a discount shipping code on the website). I still need to get this working. How do other people make this work? This should be a no-brainer.

Thanks for continued help.

tried the default theme?

MarketInSG wrote:tried the default theme?

I don't think I have installed any special themes, but I've got a call in to the person who helped me install the website to check.

Not sure if this added information helps:
I installed the free Coupon_Checkout.xml module that moves the coupon entry from the cart to step 5 of the standard chekcout process. An option to use the coupon now appears there. When I click on the "Apply coupon" button, I get a very brief "processing" graphic, but nothing else happens. When I go to the next step, the coupon has clearly not been applied.

you will need to look further into this. Would be best to call up your personal tech support to look into that