Playing through NWN 2 again. this time with a a melee PC (i'm normally a caster) and for some reason Elenee and Qara WONT cast any spells unless I take control of them. I have them both set to overkill casting and neither are on puppet mode. My PC/Khelgar and Neeshka are perfectly happy to use all their abilities. the Casters just wont cast!

Any Ideas?

Maybe try leaving them in the inn and then add them to your party again, or try this mod.
https://neverwintervault.org/project/nwn2/script/companion-and-monster-ai-22

Did you rest, so they can memorize spells?

Ah right, do they have any spells in their spellbooks?