Issue:

The Move, Scale, Rotate, and Snap manipulators (or manipulator axis) are not operating correctly when manipulating an object in Maya. The select handles may become unresponsive, snapping, sticking or only the Marking menu appears.

Causes:

Several factors can cause this behavior:

• Corrupted Preferences.
• Outdated graphics card drivers.
• Uncertified graphics cards.
• Incompatible Internal Rendering Engine (UI) with the operating system.

Solution:

Unsupported or outdated System, Graphics Card (GPU), or Drivers:

1. Confirm that GPU is on Certified Hardware List​:
   • Finding the Graphics Card Information for Windows.
   • Finding the Graphics Card Information for Linux.
   • Finding the Graphics Card Information for Mac.
2. Confirm that your GPU Drivers are up to date:
   • Graphics Card Driver updates are included with macOS updates.
   • Driver Downloads for Windows or Linux can found here:
     • Intel Driver Downloads.
     • AMD Driver Downloads.
     • Nvidia Driver Finder.
3. Check the System Requirements Page to confirm that the operating system is compatible (these requirements are unique for each version of Maya. The link provided is for Maya 2018).

Incorrect Tool Settings:

Each manipulator tool can also be reset individually within Maya:

1. Double-click on the tool icon. This tool settings window opens.
2. At the top of this window, click the “Reset Tool” button.

Incompatible Rendering Engine (UI):

To compensate for an uncertified Graphics Card, change the internal Rendering Engine for Maya’s UI:

Windows > Settings/Preferences > Preferences > Display > Scroll down, select a different rendering engine (Restart Maya to apply this change).
 

Corrupted Preferences:

Preferences can become corrupted after extended use, or a software crash. Follow this guide to reset to default: How to reset Maya Preferences to Default.