cant access settings on android 4.4 tablet

I can find my settings "gear" icon but when I tap it the swipe down box just disappears

Welcome to Android Central! Which tablet? Are you looking at the Settings icon in the App Drawer? It should be there as well, among all of your other apps. What happens if you tap it there?

I have this problem too. I am using kit kat 4.4 on a moblie phone.