Why does the text turn vertical when I reduce the drawing scale?

I have a custom shape with the words Mix Box. Anytime I reduce the drawing
size to 1/2" = 1' is turns the text vertical. I can fix it by re-sizing the
object way beyond the shape it is grouped to. However, it appears there is
enough room in the object to hold the text as it is. I've tried setting
various lock inside ths shape*** window but to no avail. How can I fix it?
In addtion, when I set the select protection to true, you can still select a
shape. Any reason why, and what cen be done to make a shape completely
un-selectable? Thanks,
.