Quote from m22au:
If the computer system can't put a value on the contract (eg. no bid), then it might not be able to work out what margin is required.
Just my 2 cents - might be better to contact IB chat to get an answer and a resolution.
Quote from ids:
Unfortunately, customers currently cannot trade futures options and futures that do not have open interest. eCBOT and GLOBEX contracts are exclusions from this rule.