Screen freeze when trying to access settings/pictochat

I have never had issues with any games freezing, but when I try to open up settings or pictochat, the screen will freeze on the white loading screen and I will have to reset my DS. I have had this DS for a while and I at some point in my youth was able to access them, but I know I was rough on it so if there is any way to fix this so I can adjust my console time that would be great.