Basically, if you are married to someone who does not have a SSN, you must print and mail your return. You would either mail it along with the W7 to get an ITIN for your spouse or you would have to file as Married Filing Separately and then print and mail your return writing NRA in the space provided for the SSN for your spouse. The IRS will not accept your return electronically filed without their SSN so this is why you are getting the error before trying to file.
If you are married, your only filing options are Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately. In both situations, your spouses SSN must be included on the return in order to e-file. This does not mean your spouse has any type of filing requirement, just that you are married and the IRS requires you to someone identify them as not having a filing requirement.
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