I had problems with a spammer so had to reset the flood control and it now works fine.
but members have now lost the edit button and can't edit their posts.  I had a look in the admin panel, the edit function had been set to 10 minutes so I reset it to zero but the edit button is still missing.
It's got me stumped, how do I replace it.

Is this similar to your issue - https://help.forumotion.com/t130923-771-problem-with-flood-control ?

The flood control is set at 10 so I see no problem with that. I did have it set at 180 after the spammer hit the forum.
the icon/option button for members to edit their posts has disappeared.  The Forum Admin team can see the "Quote, Edit & Delete" icon buttons in everyones posts.
Have I possibly turned off the edit option button for members.  I've gone into the Admin panel and checked everywhere but I can't see why it isn't working.

Hello Bignuggs,

In the forums that members cannot see the edit button, check the following :
Administration panel > General > Forum > Categories and forums

Edit the permissions of the forum which the button does not appear.

For the members, under 'Edit its own messages' check if it is ticked. If it isn't, tick it and save.

I've checked them and they were already ticked for all forums and sub forums, did a test post as an ordinary member and the edit button is still missing.
something is wrong, what do you suggest next.

For 'Post edit duration limit for a member' you have chosen 'none', no ?

Administration Panel > General > Messages and e-mails > configuration

I didn't have that ticked.  I thought leaving it as zeroes was ok.
it now appears to be working when I do a test as an ordinary member.
Many thanks for your help, my problem is solved.