On my version of open office
 I notice that when you create a new file using standard windows commands IE
right click and select new->open office text then change the name "still keeping
the ODT extension" and doubleclick to open the file.  Spell check refuses to
work.  On closing the same file and re-opening it spell check will then work. 
Just thought I would let you guys know.  Be hard to catch in normal testing esp
as this is open source and nitpickers are usually not well liked!  Searched for
bug but could not find it please ignore if bug has been fixed or resolved.

thx