Cannot drag or move any web part around once placed inside a 'flexible' section

I am working with sharepoint and have been advised to use this 'flexible' section for more freedom with placement on the grid. 

Once a text web part or any web part is dragged from the toolbox onto this flexible section, it becomes immobile.

Neither the 'Move' cursor state nor the 'Move web part' handle on said web part allows the web part itself to be moved in any way inside this section.

Screen captures included below for clarity.

This behaviour persists with any web part dragged out of the sharepoint toolbox onto this flexible section.