"Each time I attempt to paste text between classes... once I deselect it I cannot pick it again and when I refresh the screen it disappears."
If the original class that you wrote the text on is turned off (ie visible whilst it is your active class) and then you go to another class to paste it, it will still post in the original class. Class is like an attribute. It kind of shows you where you pasted it but when you refresh it disappears because the class is turned off. Is that the answer?
"I am also still unable to remedy the white text upon creation problem either--maybe there is a connection"
I can't find your original post on this one-don't know. I guess you checked the Vectorworks Preference, Display Tab, No Fill Behind Text Box?
Henry