the proximity sensor turns the screen off when the phone nears your ear/head, when you move the phone away from your ear to look at it, the proximity sensor turns the phone screen back on, you should not need to use the power button at all. make sure you aren't placing a finger over the sensor (it is just to the left of the ear piece).
also, you can try this to at least fix the issue with voice mail:
http://androidforums.com/fascinate-tips-tricks/199121-log-into-voice-mail-automatically.html

do you have a screen protector on your phone?

 

This is my #1 chief complaint about Android phones. It drove me nuts on the original Droid, and now with the Fascinate. Of course the good things about the phones outweigh the bad.

If there is an app or a method to eliminate this, please share.

Also, does anyone know how to keep the Menu/Home/Back/Search buttons illuminated for more than a few seconds?

 

There isnt a way that im aware of. Im hoping in 2.2 you can set it under settings (crossing fingers).

 

That would be nice, but since this is the rock star of cellphones, I'll give it a pass even if Froyo doesn't offer that setting.

 

Are you using a mic or bluetooth? Just curious.

 

I was having that problem for a while. It may be a coincidence, but after hitting upon a combo of two things, it seems to have corrected the problem. First, I powered off the phone (something I generally don't do). After that, I found that when on a call, if I pull the phone away from my ear tipped back at a slight angle, the proximity sensor worked as it should and my screen would wake up so I could access the dial pad, speakerphone, or end call button.

Strange, I know. But, worth a try, right?

 

I installed Screeble. It turns off the screen while the phone is at your ear (to save battery) but as soon as you pull it away it lights the sceen back up so you can use the dial pad or end the call. Works perfectly!

 

My phone was doing exactly the same! very annoying. For some odd reason I had a whole week w/ no issue. But as of yesterday the issue came back. I have yet to fin a fix.

 

I have the same issue, but while I am on a bluetooth headset. I have to continually press the power button then the unlock button to get back to the keypad.

 

Don't forget that if you disable the proximity sensor, and then hold the phone against your ear during a call, then your ear will be pressing buttons.

 

good call. this happened to me also. thanks for the tips in solving this