1.9.x is really old now ... not sure many have a 1.9 up to look at.
So you are in the edit mode in a course, and the little pencil icon (update) no longer works?
You might have to turn on debugging ...
Site Admin Menu -> Server -> Debugging ... think that's where it is in a 1.9.x
Set to Developer level.
Go back to any course and get into edit mode ... click on whatever. Let's see what Moodle might be saying.
After you get some info, turn off debugging.
'spirit of sharing', Ken