Thanks for all these great responses it has certainly given me a lot to think about!
My intial reaction is that I over-reacted a little. The staff has been a problem for me of late in my own personal readings. But I didn't hesitate to use it when reading 'live' for another person as the problems I have in my personal readings don't, for some reason, tend to follow me into readings for others.
Now in this case it did, hence the panic, but they are a few other variables to take into consideration. Firstly, 'live' readings take me out of my comfort zone, this could also be a reason for the block.
What MeeWah said about the reading addressing "something other than the stated query" made a lightbulb go off. As in this instance, the querent (who is also a friend) wouldn't tell me the question. The cards spoke of a work issue, and I proceeded as such, with my friend nodding in agreement, then at about card 5 they said "I did actually ask about a relationship".
I guess that stumped me, as what had originally been a clear work reading I was then trying to see a possible relationship as well, which to be honest wasn't there. This was a work reading, about working relationships and a recent promotion and my friends feelings and fears about that and the reactions of collegues.
I like what you said Marion about the 'below' card being the one to watch. Ah yep, learnt that one the hard way and think I still have the teeth marks to prove it!
I am going to try Debra's suggestion about laying them out differently as when I thought about it, other spreads I use I do read mainly horizontally, so that may help. It could be something to do with it being vertical.
I'm going to note down what you all said about how you read the positions, where it differs from mine and what other cards that you relate that back to in the spread and hopefully for my own readings this will help unblock the block. Fingers crossed!
Thanks again for taking the time to help with my query!