By “low-voltage position” I just meant that it was held electrically low (close to ground).
> the positive pin of every LED in row 1 is in continuity with the emitter pin (right-most) of EVERY transistor.
This should not be the case; compare with the other rows. The emitter of the transistors is connected to the positive power supply (“Vcc”), and Vcc should not (directly) make it into the LED matrix anywhere. The likely issue is that the collector (middle pin) of Q1 is connected to the emitter. Check on the top and bottom sides of the PCB for a short at Q1. If you cannot find an external short, try replacing that transistor.
