see if it does so in other networks. Verizon is a cdma and not a gsm, so you wont expect all the features of a gsm to work on a cdma. If you are somewhere nears Abia, I will suggest you meet Segun of HighTalk GSM at 41, warri street, Umuahia. He may fix that for you. other wise, use the voice system to check both your balance and recharge.
That is dial 555 for recharge and follow the voice prompt or dial 556 and listen for your account bal. Good luck with you new fon