Obviously we can't fix Google issues and we can't commit to providing support for problems on their end. However, there are a lot of experienced GV users on these forums and I'm sure they'd be willing to help troubleshoot if they notice this thread is not resolved.
To start you off, I'm going to take the assumption that GV is new to you and that the problem is caused by something simple that's being overlooked (since we know GV does "work"). Use this post as a getting started guide / checklist rather than taking it personally if the instructions start off below your experience level. I'm making these assumptions, so correct me if any are incorrect:
- You're using an iPhone with active AT&T service in the U.S.
- Your cell plan includes SMS messaging.
- You've confirmed that the issue is not with your cell service or device by sending and receiving an SMS on your iPhone recently.
First, let's narrow it down to the simplest components: focus on using just your cell phone and the full version of the GV web site at
http://www.google.com/voice/. Under the Google logo in the top left corner of the site, click the
Text button and send an SMS to your cell phone using that form. When the message arrives on your cell phone, reply to it. Then select
Text in the column on the left side of the web site (the menu option--not the button) and see if the conversation appears there.