Hello! I apologize for not giving a clearer description of the problem that I'm having.
I'm using Tat's trivia version 3.55, which I believe is the newest version, along with GuardDog v. 5.0.
When I go to trivia options, then commands, and look at the ping command, the command limits are "default", then under that Respond Method is also "default", then under that Default Respond Method, says MSG Channel.
The other commands such as !hof, !hofstreak, !hofwpm, !hoffast, !roundscores (commands that appear to be functioning properly) have the same settings in trivia options as described above (default, default, then MSG Channel). The !ping command is the only command for which the bot will not reply. 
What's interesting, to me anyway, is that when i type that command from within the bot? The bot does reply!
I have tried also, turning off internet worm protection within Norton Anti-Virus, thinking possibly it could be that, however, that didn't appear to be it.
I guess the scores resetting is a separate issue! I have NO CLUE on how to solve that one either! 
I really do appreciate whatever suggestions you may have, and thanks to everyone who has taken time to reply 