My kobo is in the sleeping mode and will not respond

Pat, Go to Kobo.com, Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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kobo com help Resetting or changing your Kobo password
How to reset and factory reset your Kobo
Kobo Tips and Tricks for new Reader Owners

Do you have the proper device driver installed on the computer?
:Other info I found online, but have not looked into:

Open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Open-the-Hardware-and-Devices-troubleshooter

In addition you can also check if the device manufacturer have driver for the device.
For additional help, please see:
Kobo Help Forums/Frequently Asked Questions - Kobo eReader
http://kobo.zendesk.com/forums/165796-frequently-asked-questions-kobo-ereader
Need help with your Kobo eReader?
http://koboereader.com/FAQ

1. Turn the power off and pull the battery out and reinsert it.
2. Hold the Volume Down button.
3. Then press and release the Power button.
4. Wait a minute,the menu appears that allows for Fastbook, Recovery, Clear Storage, and Simlock.
5. Ok,press the Volume Down button to choose Clear Storage.
6. Next,press and release the Power button,Wait for the Kobo Arc to restart.
7. You will see the two options: Volume Up for YES and Volume Down for NO.
8. If you choose YES, all data will be deleted from your Kobo Arc and including third-party applications.
9. The Kobo Arc will reboot to its original data.
10. This time you can restore your backed up data to your phone.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/michael_e0539de310ea5ad7

Type demo off or demomodeoff in the search bar

Move the on/off slider to the right and hold it there for at least 10 seconds before releasing it will turn the Kobo off. Any less than that and it goes to sleep.

It could be several things. But you may need to delete Kobo and reload the app. I have had to do this on some of my programs. Your books are on the net, so they won't be lost.

You may need to delete KOBO and re-install the app. Your books will be saved because they are online.

Try to restore your kobo account.

Does your Kobo turn off and on normally? Or is it stuck loading the book and totally not responding? If so, reset your Kobo. Look on the bottom edge of the Kobo - see the little pinhole? Stick a paper clip into there until you feel it push against a little switch. Remove the paper clip.

Is the Kobo working, but simply can't open a book? If it's only affecting a particular book, try deleting it and downloading it again.