First backup your ~/.stellarium/modules/Satellites/satellites.json file.
Don't select the toolbar to show satellites, but open the Satellites config dialog (alt-Z). Go to the Satellites tab select all items in the list and hit the - button to remove them all. Now add just one satellite using the + button. The ISS is a good one.
If this works, try adding other satellites. And see if you can replicate the problem this way.
Another thing to try if all the above don't help:
First backup your ~/.stellarium/ modules/ Satellites/ satellites. json file.
Don't select the toolbar to show satellites, but open the Satellites config dialog (alt-Z). Go to the Satellites tab select all items in the list and hit the - button to remove them all. Now add just one satellite using the + button. The ISS is a good one.
If this works, try adding other satellites. And see if you can replicate the problem this way.
Let me know how you get on.
M