[villagetinker]

Might be as simple as the installer forgot to remove the internal jumper on the outlet. IF (big if) you are comfortable working around electrical equipment, TURN OFF the circuit breaker to the room. Remove the outlet and look at the terminals on the HOT side (brass) terminals. Normal outlets are supplied with a removable metal jumper between the terminals which MUST be removed for switched operation. You should find a HOT (black) wire to one side, and a second (black possibly red) wire to the other side of the outlet. If you are not interested in doing this, any one of several handymen should be able to help you.