Installing the game (again) as I write this

This problem is present on ALL mage followers

- Whenever getting into a combat situation, whatever mage is following me draws an invisible weapon and shield and can't seem to attack anymore. They are still in "combat mode" but unable to attack. And they are stuck in this position until I go thru a door or get a loading screen where they are reset but going into combat again and they start attacking using their spells, but get stuck with their invisible weapons animation very quickly.

I don't think that I have to say that this is very very very annoying and makes all mage followers useless, unless you need a meat shield. I want them to attack!!!

Anyone else with this problem??? If I can fix them could someone tell me how??? Thanks in advance for any advice