any new tricks to try?

I have the same problem, very annoying. My first ZTE Quartz experience and it will most likely be my last.

Settings > Apps > Contacts > Clear Data

Make sure you have a back up of your contacts before doing so.

Let us know if that works.

my phone keeps saying the same thing too....

Was wondering, did you install anything before this happened? If you did, try uninstalling it if contacts work after that.

My phone states that contacts has stop