Here are a few things you can try when presented with this issue.
1) Save the document to the desktop.
2) Change the document file extension. Use the Save As command in Word and choose the .doc extension rather than the .docx extension.
3) Change the document file name. For example if the document is called Jane_Doe_Final_Paper.doc, try renaming it something simple like 1.doc or paper.doc.
4) Copy and paste the text of Word documents into new Word documents as a formatting issue may be in play.
If none of these resolve the problem, please ask for help at the Reference or Circulation Desk.