Hi, if you found this post it means you are probably as perplexed as I was until I solved the problem. The above problem gave me the run around for awhile until I came across a post by 
I am glad to say that having followed the guide he provided, I am now smiling and the problem is solved. So please either read his post or just do the following:
- realise that the problem is caused by inactivity of your account and the fact that your steem has been powered down.
- Do a transaction by funding your Steem Power account using: https://blocktrades.us/
- You may have to use blocktrade to convert bitcoin into steem power. Any amount would do. I sent just $2.
- once the bitcoin you sent to blocktrade confirms, check your wallet. Once you see the amount you sent shows up in your steem power wallet, your account becomes activated and you can go on your way to post and do other activities without delay.
I hope you found this useful.
Cheers