When I click on perosnal folder on the left side of the window, I get the main window but I have a blue stripe at the top of the page with a "+" sign next to the name. I have to click the "+" sign to view the information.
What version of Outlook are you using? I have arrows instead of + signs. Anyway, try right click on the column headers row/Arrange By and deselect 'show in groups'.
Never seen that before. Only thing I can think of is Rt. click on the column headers/Arrange by and uncheck 'Show in groups' if it is checked. Also might try playing with the View settings from the same Rt. click menu.