Can't change my status in Steam client

I can't change my status from Offline, which means I can't get into group chats or talk with giveaway winners. I've tried re-starting Steam, but this doesn't seem to make a difference.

Any insight would be appreciated by me and certainly build you good karma and enable you to be re-born as something better than a chicken or a girl. Cows, though ... cows are sacred. Or am I getting my religions mixed up? Anyway, please help.